Measles Case Confirmed in the Algoma District

Thu, Apr 24, 2025

Algoma Public Health (APH) has confirmed one case of measles in Central Algoma. At this time, the risk to the general public remains low. APH is actively monitoring the situation and is in contact with all identified close contacts.

APH is conducting thorough investigation and taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus in the community.

Potential exposure to measles on Ontario Northland Bus:

 

Date: April 17, 2025

• Trip# 1249 – Barrie to Sudbury
  Departed Barrie at 12:24 p.m.

• Trip# 1501 – Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie
  Departed Sudbury at 8:40 p.m.

Anyone who travelled on either of these trips should monitor for symptoms (below). If you begin to feel unwell or have questions, please contact your local public health unit for guidance.

 

Who is at risk?

 

Most people born before 1970 are considered immune to measles from natural exposure. For those born in 1970 or later, two doses of a measles vaccine are recommended for full protection. People who are vaccinated are very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed.

Those at higher risk of severe illness include infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

 

Know the symptoms

 

Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 12 days (but can take up to 21 days) after exposure to the virus. They include the following:

• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough
• Fever
• 3-5 days later: a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

While many people recover without complications, measles can sometimes cause serious health issues such as:

• Ear or brain infections
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Vision or hearing loss
• Premature birth (for those who are pregnant)
• In very rare cases, death

Measles is highly contagious

 

“Measles is extremely contagious—it can spread through the air and remain in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has left,” says Dr. John Tuinema, Acting Medical Officer of Health at Algoma Public Health. “With increased measles activity in Ontario, this case serves as a reminder of how easily the virus can spread.”

 

Vaccination rates in Algoma

“The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect against measles,” adds Dr. Tuinema. “In the 2023–2024 school year, 86.6% of seven-year-olds and 96.5% of 17-year-olds in Algoma were fully immunized.”

 

What you can do

 

• Check your vaccination status and make sure you and your family’s immunizations are up to date. To check your measles vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or visit: algomapublichealth.com/icon or call 705-942-4646, ext. 3535.
• If you have questions about measles immunization, call 705-759-5409.
• If you think you may have been exposed to measles contact your healthcare provider or APH at 705-942-4646 or TF 866-892-0172.

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Additional information

 

Public Health Ontario: Places and dates of exposure to a case of measles