Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 4, 2025
South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) has confirmed one measles case and is investigating a number of probable cases in Hastings County. The positive case is in an unvaccinated adult who travelled within the province. Public Health is reaching out to known contacts of the confirmed and probable cases. If you are not contacted by SEHU, you have not been identified as a close contact.
Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications. SEHU is urging individuals and families to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccines and to remain watchful for symptoms, especially if not fully vaccinated. Ensuring your vaccines are up to date is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and prevent the spread of measles in our community.
SEHU is offering vaccine clinics for those whose vaccines are not up to date. Appointments can be booked at hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body.
The risk of transmission to those vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine is very low, and when it does occur tends to show a reduction in the severity of symptoms.
People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and those who are not fully vaccinated. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.
For more information about measles, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/measles-faqs/.
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Media contact:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
