News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 8, 2008

Potential Measles Exposure in Grey Bruce

Grey Bruce Health Unit has determined that an individual from Toronto, who was contagious with measles, may have inadvertently exposed others in Grey Bruce to the illness.

The risk for the public is considered low because most people are immune to measles as a result of past illness and Canada’s high immunization rates.

The ill individual traveled by bus while contagious. As a precaution, Public Health is alerting persons who traveled by bus on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, leaving Kincardine at approximately 7:15 a.m. This bus traveled Highway 9 to Toronto making various stops along the way. All passengers on this bus should contact their local Public Health Unit. They are advised to watch for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever, white spots in the mouth and red watery eyes that are sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a red rash that lasts about 6 days. Anyone from the bus developing these symptoms should seek medical attention. Be sure to call ahead and advise the medical facility that you may have been exposed to measles.

Ontario is currently experiencing a province-wide outbreak of measles.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

-30-

Attachments: Fact Sheet - Measles 

For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 269