Google Translate Disclaimer

Translation on this website is provided by Google Translate, a third-party automated translator tool. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of translations performed by Google Translate, or for any issues or damages resulting from its use.

print header

Measles

A high number of measles cases is being seen across Canada, with a total of 252 confirmed and 66 probable cases of measles have been reported in Ontario in 2025 as of March 12. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne respiratory illness and it is also preventable with vaccination. 

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has received confirmation that an unvaccinated individual residing in Simcoe Muskoka has tested positive for measles.

If you were present at the following locations during the indicated times, you may have been exposed to measles:

Exposure Locations, Dates and Times:

đź“ŤWednesday, March 12, 2025 – 10:55 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Huronia Urgent Care Clinic (102-480 Huronia Road, Barrie)

Georgian Radiology at Huronia Urgent Care Clinic (102-480 Huronia Road, Barrie)

Eagle Ridge Pharmacy (480 Huronia Road, Barrie)

Next Steps:

đź“žThe health unit will call anyone who had booked appointments at Huronia Urgent Care Clinic or Georgian Radiology during the dates and times listed above.

⚠️If you visited Eagle Ridge Pharmacy during this time, call us at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

What to Do if You Have Been Exposed to Measles:

The health unit advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:

  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles which begin 7 to 21 days after exposure.
  • Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of measles 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 day after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and then spreads down the body.
  • 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 health care provider regarding vaccination.

What to Do if You Think You Have Measles:

  1. Isolate Immediately:
    • Stay home and avoid contact with others.
    • Do not go to school, work, or public places.
  2. Call Ahead Before Visiting a Clinic or Hospital:
    • Contact the healthcare facility before you arrive.
    • This allows them to take precautions and prevent the virus from spreading.
  3. Wear a Mask:
    • When seeking medical care, wear a well-fitting, high-quality face mask

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious human respiratory virus. It spreads easily through the air when someone with measles breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Measles is preventable and risk of getting measles is low for people who have been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine or those born before 1970.

The measles virus is airborne and can float in the air for up to two hours after a person who has measles has left the area. This means that if you are not immunized against measles, you are at risk of getting measles if you spent time in the same area, even if you were not close to person who is ill.

Measles spreads when:

  • You breathe the air where an infected person coughs or sneezed.
  • You touch a surface with the virus on it then touch your eye, nose or mouth.
  • You can spread measles up to four days before the rash starts and until four days after the rash starts.

Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after being near someone who has the virus. Early symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as colds or influenza (flu), including:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Cough Drowsiness
  • Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Small white spots (Koplik's spots) may appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present

Three to seven days after the start of the symptoms a red, blotchy (maculopapular) rash appears on the head and neck and then progresses down the body.  

Complications from measles can include:

  • Middle ear infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhea
  • Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
  • Occasionally death in the very young

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you or your family members are not up to date, it's important to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Contact your family doctor or book an appointment at a local immunization clinic if you don’t have a health care provider.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Children

  • Routine Schedule: Two doses—first at 12 months, second at four to six years.
  • Traveling?
  • Babies six to 11 months traveling to areas with measles outbreaks should get an early dose.
  • Young children traveling to affected areas can receive their four-to-six-year dose early.
  • Missed a Dose? Many children missed vaccines during COVID-19. Ensure school-aged children have received their second dose.

Adults (18+)

  • If you received one dose of the MMR vaccine, a second dose is recommended if you are:
  • A health care worker, military personnel, or post-secondary student.
  • Traveling outside Canada.
  • Advised by your health care provider.

Born Before 1970?

  • People born in Canada before 1970 are generally presumed immune. However, if you are traveling abroad and lack proof of immunity, consider getting a single dose due to rising global measles cases.

Extra Precautions in Affected Areas

​If you live, work, travel, or spend time in communities with active measles cases (e.g., Grand Erie and Southwestern Ontario), follow these recommendations:

  • Infants (six to 11 months): One dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Two additional doses are still required after age one.
  • Children (one to four years): If they’ve had one dose, they should get their second dose as soon as possible (at least four weeks after the first).
  • Adults (born in 1970 or later): A second dose of MMR is recommended.

Additional Safety Measures

  • Stay home if you're feeling sick.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Does the Health Unit Have My Records?

The health unit only keeps immunization records for 10 years after an individual’s 18th birthday. Whether your records are available depends on your birth year and school location:

  • Born in 1990 or later and attended school in Simcoe Muskoka: Your immunization record should be available online. To access it, you will need your Ontario health card number.
    • If you cannot find your record online or do not have an Ontario health card number, please call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8827 for assistance.
  • Born between 1970 and 1990 and attended school in Simcoe Muskoka: Your immunization record may be available in our archive database. Please call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8827. We will search the database to see if we can locate your record.
  • Born before 1970 or did not attend school in Simcoe Muskoka: Unfortunately, SMDHU does not have your immunization record on file. Other ways to find your records might include:
    • Contacting family members
    • Reaching out to your childhood health care provider
    • Contacting the health unit in the region where you attended school

How to Get a Copy of Your Child’s Immunization Record

Parents can access their child’s immunization records until the child’s 16th birthday by:

  • Using Immunization Connect Ontario, an online tool that serves as a digital alternative to paper immunization records.
  • Calling 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8827, option #3

 

For Students 16 and Older

If a parent needs immunization records for a student 16 or older, the student must request the records themselves by calling 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8827, option #3


 

 

If you’ve been in contact with someone who has measles, monitor for symptoms and follow the steps below to protect yourself.

Can’t Find Your Vaccination Records?

  • If you don’t have your vaccination records or can’t access them, you can safely get revaccinated.
  • Contact your health care provider or your local public health unit to check for records or to get vaccinated.
  • Parents can update and check their child’s vaccination records through the school immunization reporting system.

Immediately report all suspect or confirmed cases of measles infection to SMDHU at 705-721-7520 Extension 8809 during work hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or after hours 1-888-225- 7851.For information and resources for health professionals, visit SMDHU

Health Professional Portal.

Next Steps Based on Your Situation:

Scenario  Action Required Comments
I work in Military, health care, a school, or child care and was exposed to measles. Call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 to discuss your exposure and vaccination status. You are at higher risk of spreading measles to vulnerable populations.
I am pregnant and was exposed to measles. Talk to your health care provider. They will check your vaccination records or do a blood test to confirm immunity. You may already be protected based on your birth year and vaccination history.
I was born before 1970. You are likely immune since measles was common at that time. If you are unsure, you can safely receive the MMR vaccine.
I was born between 1970 and 1995. Check your records to confirm you received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Two doses are needed for full protection. If you don’t have proof, you can safely get vaccinated.
I was born after 1995. Check your vaccination records to confirm you received two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine. In Ontario, children receive two doses: one after their first birthday and another at 4 to 6 years of age.

 

If you have concerns or need vaccination, contact your health care provider or public health unit for guidance. 

Did you find what you were looking for today?
What did you like about this page?
How can we improve this page?
Page
Feedback

If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

Thanks for your feedback.
Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
Comment already submitted ...