More measles cases found in Brantford, Hamilton areas

As the nearby Grand Erie region continues to experience a community-wide measles outbreak, Hamilton is reporting a new case in a child. 

Hamilton Public Health Services warned Friday that people may have been exposed to the virus who were at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School between 9 a.m. and 6:10 p.m. from Feb. 4 to 7.

People at McMaster Children's Hospital Emergency Department between noon and 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 were also exposed, but all have been notified, public health said in a news release. 

Meanwhile, the municipalities of Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk in southern Ontario continue to grapple with an outbreak, according to their health authority, Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH). 

As of Thursday, GEPH has confirmed 48 cases, including 42 in children, as well as one person for whom the infection source remains unknown.

One person is recovering in hospital, while everyone else is recovering at home, GEPH says. 

Public health staff are investigating and following up with people who may have been exposed to the measles between Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 at LaSalette Old Colony School, at Glen Meyer Old Colony School and at the Tim Hortons at 200 Terrace Hill, Brantford.

A full list of dates, times and locations of possible exposures in the Grand River region can be found here.

GEPH is offering measles vaccination clinics and appointments can be booked through their website. 

Anyone who believes they've been exposed are asked to monitor for symptoms for 21 days. 

Measles preventable through vaccination

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract. It's spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, says GEPH. 

"It can cause severe disease, complications and even death," says the GEPH website. 

Measles spreads easily to people who are not fully vaccinated or have not previously had the measles, says Hamilton public health. Infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications. 

"Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection hat can cause severe life-long complications," said Dr. Brendan Lew, Hamilton's associate medical officer of health. 

Southwestern Public Health in the London, Ont., area is reporting 12 cases of the measles so far this year. Its medical officer of health says the number of measles cases in Canada overall is rising. 

Other regions of Ontario, as well as Quebec and B.C., have also confirmed new cases recently.