Public health warns of possible measles exposures in Brantford-Brant area this month

Grand Erie Public Health is warning the community of possible measles exposures related to a "probable" case it is investigating in the Brantford-Brant area.

That case is related to a case of measles confirmed earlier this month, the health unit said in a Jan. 21 news release.

"The individual is an adult resident of Brant and is currently recovering at home," public health said, adding it's reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed.

The health unit says members of the public may have been exposed to the airborne virus at the following locations, dates and times:

• Tahini's Brantford, 440 Colborne St. W., on Jan. 16 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Momoko Snacks Land in Brantford, 75 Dalhousie St., Unit 104, on Jan. 16 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• White Horse Bowling in Simcoe, 80 Davis St. E., Jan. 18 between 6:45 p.m. and 11p.m. 

Grand Erie Public Health said there was also risk of measles exposure in Haldimand-Nordolk related to recent cases:

• Tillsonburg Old Colony School, 122-216 Goshen Rd., between Jan. 9 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital's emergency department on Jan. 14 between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. 

• Roulston's Pharmacy in Simcoe, 65 Donly Dr. N., on Jan. 14, between 5 p.m. and closing time.

People with weakened immune systems, infants, pregnant people, and those who are unvaccinated should contact their healthcare provider right away if they believe they may have been exposed, Grand Erie Public Health said. Higher risk individuals may be eligible for a medication one can take within six days of exposure. 

The health unit also recommends checking your vaccination records to ensure you're protected from measles. Generally, two doses of vaccine are recommended for anyone born after 1969, and those born prior are considered protected. 

Measles is a highly contagious illness. Its symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. People with measles are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

On Jan. 1, the Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk public health units merged to form Grand Erie Public Health, which serves the County of Brant, Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.