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One case of measles confirmed in Simcoe–Muskoka region

March 27, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received confirmation that an unvaccinated resident of the region has tested positive for measles.

The Health Unit is cautioning residents that if they were present at the following locations at the listed times they may have been exposed to measles:

Wednesday, March 12, from 10:55 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 480 Huronia Road, Barrie – Huronia Urgent Care Clinic, Georgian Radiology at the Huronia Urgent Care Clinic and Eagle Ridge Pharmacy.

The Health Unit will be calling anyone who has booked appointments at the above-mentioned locations during those specified times.

Additionally, anyone who visited the Eagle Ridge Pharmacy between 10:55 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 12, may have been exposed to measles and is asked to call the Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Health Unit advises anyone who may have been exposed to measles to monitor for signs and symptoms, which begin seven to 21 days after exposure.

Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots may appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face of an infected person and then spreads down the body.

A person can be infectious four days prior and four days after the onset of a rash.

Confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected. Those not protected against measles with these measures should contact their healthcare provider regarding vaccination.

If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately by staying home and avoiding contact with others.

Call before going to a clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent the virus from spreading to others.

“Measles is a serious and highly transmittable infection that can cause life-long complications,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health. “Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure we have available, with the risk of measles to those who are vaccinated with two doses being very low, and in the rare case when it does occur among a vaccinated individual, it tends to reduce the severity of symptoms.”

People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. 

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