Southwestern Public Health urges prevention after new measles exposure in a healthcare setting

A new measles exposure in a health care setting has prompted Southwestern Public Health to issue an urgent call for prevention across the region.

The health unit for Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas was informed of a potential measles exposure at Alexandra Hospital’s emergency department in Ingersoll – the fourth exposure in a health care setting, and third hospital exposure since November. The health unit issued an alert on January 20 to local health care providers to advise of proactive ways to prevent measles in these settings.

“Healthcare environments are especially vulnerable places for measles, as these are places where people with the highest risk of severe complications from a measles infection are present – including babies, those undergoing medical treatments, and individuals seeking urgent health care support,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health. “If you have been exposed to measles or have symptoms of it, please call ahead before visiting any health care setting so that they can prepare for your arrival.”

The potential exposure occurred at Alexandra Hospital’s emergency department (29 Noxon Street, Ingersoll) on January 17 2025 between 11:57 PM and January 18 2025 at 02:13 AM.

If you were present at this location during this timeframe, were born in 1970 or later, and are not up-to-date with your vaccinations, please call public health at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 1232. This includes those who were only present briefly as measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours.

Other actions to take if you were present at this location during these times:

1. Check your immunization history or contact your health care provider to confirm if you and your family members are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.

2. Watch for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after exposure, even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations. During this time, if you are unvaccinated avoid contact with vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and children.

3. Those who were present with an infant under twelve months of age, are pregnant, or are immunocompromised, are advised to immediately call public health at 1-800-922-0096 as you may be eligible for preventive treatment.

4. Call ahead to all health care settings if you have been exposed to, are a contact of, or have symptoms consistent with measles. This ensures that the health care settings can prepare for your arrival to prevent further exposures.

“We did not identify gaps at the hospital in infection control,” says Dr. Tran. “It is our responsibility to inform anyone as quickly as possible if they have been exposed to this virus.”

Southwestern Public Health offers this advice to the general community:

• Stay home if you are unwell. If you think you have measles, isolate immediately and call your health care provider to discuss testing. Call before visiting any health setting so that they can prepare for your arrival.
• Know your immunization history. Measles immunization is very effective, with two doses of vaccine providing up to 99% protection. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork to review your vaccination record. Contact your health care provider if you do not have your vaccination record or are missing vaccinations.
• Stay updated with routine vaccinations. Children attending school in Ontario routinely receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine (one dose after their first birthday and the second dose at 4 years of age). Infants from 6 to 11 months can also receive a measles vaccination if they are travelling to or reside in an area of concern. Public health vaccinates children up to 18 years of age – find appointments for children online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking. Consult your health care provider if you want more information about measles vaccine eligibility for adults.

Measles is a reportable disease of public health significance that can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death. Learn more about measles, vaccination, and more at www.swpublichealth.ca/measles.