Measles cases confirmed in Timiskaming District; public health lists exposure sites

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Public health officials have confirmed the first measles cases in the Timiskaming district, urging residents to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms if exposed.

Measles cases confirmed in Timiskaming District Public health officials have confirmed the first measles cases in the Timiskaming district, urging residents to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms if exposed. (File photo)

Northeastern Public Health reported two cases linked to the region, with both individuals now in isolation. The agency said the risk to the general public remains low but released a list of locations where exposures may have occurred on March 29:

• Veteran’s Park, Cobden, Ont., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Ontario Northland Bus (Cobden to North Bay terminal), departing noon, arriving 3:15 p.m.
• Pronto, 3520 Petawawa Blvd., Petawawa, 1–3:15 p.m.
• North Bay Bus Terminal, 3:15–6:15 p.m.
• Northgate Mall, North Bay, 3:15–6:15 p.m.
• Ontario Northland Bus (North Bay to Timmins), departing 4:15 p.m., arriving 10 p.m.
• Englehart Motel, 7:20–9:20 p.m.
• Ontario Northland Bus (North Bay to Sudbury), departing 3:45 p.m., arriving 5:20 p.m.

Anyone present at these locations born on or after Jan. 1, 1970, without up-to-date measles vaccinations, is advised to contact their local public health unit.

Measles Virus The measles virus, paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, transmission microscopy view. (BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Symptoms and Protection

Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and remaining infectious for up to two hours in shared spaces. Early symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face.

measles An example of a measles rash close-up. The rash usually starts on the face and decends. (File photo/CTV News)

Individuals are considered protected if they have:

• Two doses of measles-containing vaccine,
• lab-confirmed immunity,
• a prior measles infection, or
• were born before 1970 (excluding healthcare/military workers).

A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic in St. Thomas, Ont. on March 4, 2025. (Geoff Robins/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Next Steps for Exposure

Health officials have provided directives for unprotected individuals:

• No vaccine doses: Isolate and contact your local public health.
• One dose: Get a second dose; notify healthcare providers.
• High-risk groups (infants under one, immunocompromised, or unprotected pregnant individuals): Seek immediate guidance on immunoglobulin or vaccination.

Symptoms may appear up to 21 days post-exposure. Those needing medical care should call ahead to limit transmission.

040225_SWPH measles update London Public health nurse Lauri Bidinot demonstrates how to give a measles shot to a young girl at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont. on March 4, 2025. (Geoff Robins/THE CANADIAN PRESS) (Geoff Robins/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Contact Information for northern Ontario health units:

Northeastern Public Health: 1-877-442-1212

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit: 705-707-1455

Public Health Sudbury & Districts: 1-866-522-9200