A possible exposure to measles at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) Sunday has the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) advising the public and those active at the hospital at the time of the potential exposure.
Anyone that was registered at CGMH from 11:14 a.m. and 8:28 p.m. Sunday in the "see-and-treat" area will be contacted by the SMDHU either by letter, phone call, or text message.
SMDHU has confirmed four cases of measles this year, while the province has reported 50 total cases among 1,403 total outbreak cases through Tuesday.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at the above location is advised to do the following:
Confirm your vaccination status
Make sure you and your family are protected against measles:
- You are considered protected if you’ve had two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
- If you were born before 1970, you likely had measles as a child and are generally considered immune and protected.
- If you are not sure you’re protected, you can visit our website to see if the health unit may have a copy of your record at www.smdhu.org/records.
- If you haven’t had two doses, contact your health care provider to discuss vaccination.
Watch for symptoms of measles
- Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after being exposed.
- Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure.
- Look for:
- Fever, runny nose, cough
- Red eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth and throat (these don’t always show up)
- Three to seven days after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash begins on the face and spreads down the body
- You can spread measles to others four days before and four days after the rash appears.
- If you develop symptoms:
- Call your health care provider right away.
- Isolate right away—stay home (do not go to school or work) and avoid contact with others.
- Important: do not go directly to the hospital or your health care provider’s office without calling first. You must inform them that you have been exposed to someone with measles and are now experiencing symptoms.
- Wear a well-fitting, high-quality face mask when seeking medical care.
For more information about measles, please visit smdhu.org/measles or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
