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NORTH BAY, ON – One measles case has been confirmed in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) region, the first since 1995. The risk to the public is low; however, the Health Unit is taking the matter very seriously.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area,” explains Shannon Mantha, executive director of clinical services and chief nursing officer at the Health Unit. “Although the local risk of infection remains low, the large measles outbreak in southern Ontario shows how quickly the virus can spread. We have connected with the individual and their close contacts and are working together to prevent the local spread of infection.”
The infected individual is an unvaccinated adult who had exposure to a confirmed case outside the district. They and their close contacts are in self-isolation. No public places have been identified where community members could have been exposed to the virus.
Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure to the virus and include runny nose, watery red eyes, cough, fever, and a rash spreading from the face to the rest of the body. Long-term and more severe complications of measles can include vision or hearing loss, a brain or ear infection, pneumonia, an early birth (if pregnant), or in rare cases, death. Individuals under the age of five, pregnant individuals and immunocompromised people are at high-risk of severe outcomes, as well as those who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“The MMR vaccine is highly effective and the best way to prevent measles,” adds Mantha. “Our immunization rates for school-aged children are higher than the provincial average. In the 2023-2024 school year, 92.4 per cent of seven-year-olds and 97.4 per cent of 17-year-olds were appropriately immunized against measles.”
The Health Unit recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for individuals born in or after 1970. Most individuals born before 1970 have immunity from infection in their childhood. Individuals can find more information about vaccination and check their immunization record by visiting myhealthunit.ca, or contacting their healthcare provider. Those looking to get up to date with their MMR vaccine are asked to contact their healthcare provider, or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 Ext. 5252.
Anyone who experiences measles symptoms is urged to isolate immediately, avoid contact with others, and call before visiting a clinic or hospital.
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Media Inquiries:
Kylie Wurdell, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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