The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed its first case of measles in the region since an alarming rise in the spread of the disease began across the province and country — even leading to temporary outbreak status in Ontario.
The case was reported in the Kenora area. The health unit says the individual diagnosed is following the appropriate public health measures.
“Measles is a very infectious virus and it can cause serious illness. Signs and symptoms usually start off with feeling unwell, coughs, sneezes, runny nose, red sore watery eyes and a fever,” said Kit Young Hoon, the medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit.
“After a couple of days, people will get the rash that usually appears on the face and it spreads to the rest of the body. It can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, infections of the ears and blindness, so it is important for people to be aware of risk.”
Since the fall of 2024, Canada has recorded more than 5,000 measles cases in nine provinces and one territory.
Earlier this year, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced Canada had lost its measles elimination status.
Young Hoon said the individual diagnosed in the Kenora area could have exposed people in the emergency department at Lake of the Woods District Hospital and at an event at the Kenora Public Library.
Exposures at the hospital were possible on Dec. 22, Dec. 26 or Dec. 27, and at the library on Dec. 23. More information about the dates and times of possible exposures can be found on the Northwestern Health Unit website.
“If you develop symptoms and you’ve been exposed, it’s important to get tested to see if you might have measles and that might require additional actions and keys and contact follow up,” said Young Hoon.
She said those who may have been exposed should also review their vaccination records to see if they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, or to determine if they are at risk in other ways.
“If you don’t have your two doses, then it’s important to look to get the second dose if you’ve been exposed,” said Young Hoon.
“If you have had an infection or if you’re born before 1970, then likely you’ve been infected in the past. Then you likely are immune. But if you think you’ve never had measles and you’ve not had the two doses of measles vaccine, then you would want to contact us and Northwestern Health Unit for further directions.”
