Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is letting the public know about a possible measles exposure at Seaforth Community Hospital.
The exposure happened on Monday, July 28th, between 12:10 p.m. and 2:14 p.m. in the emergency department waiting room and outpatient imaging area at the hospital, located at 24 Centennial Drive in Seaforth.
Health officials say that anyone who was in that area during that time should watch for measles symptoms for 21 days after their visit. Measles is very contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
People born in 1970 or later who haven’t had two doses of a measles vaccine, as well as babies under 12 months, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk of serious illness.
Measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or just breathing. Symptoms often appear between 7 and 21 days after being exposed. These include fever, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sometimes small white spots inside the mouth and throat. In some cases, measles can lead to complications like pneumonia, ear infections, or more serious health issues.