SEHU reporting new measles exposures in Hastings, Prince Edward counties

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is reporting new cases of measles exposures in three different locations in Picton, Ont., Bloomfield, Ont. and Trenton, Ont. last week.

It is asking people to take note of possible exposure at the following places and timeframes:

• Picton: The exposure happened at Foodland, located at 23 George Wright Blvd., on April 4 between 11 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.
• Bloomfield: It happened at Gillingham Brewing Company, at 1316 Wilson Rd., on April 4 between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.
• Trenton: It took place at Red’s Diner, at 2223 Hamilton Rd., on April 6 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Residents who happened to be present at the mentioned locations within the specified timeframes are asked to call public health at 613-966-5500, extension 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. if they are: Immunocompromised (regardless of age or immunity), born after 1970 and not up to date with vaccinations, an infant less than 12 months, pregnant and a health-care provider or childcare/education worker without two doses of measles vaccine or evidence of vaccination.

“SEHU issues measles exposure notices when we are unable to contact all individuals who may have been exposed at specific locations and timeframes,” the health unit said in a news release Friday.

“Measles is a reportable disease of public health significance that can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death.”

The health unit notes that measles is very contagious, and easily transmissible by air.

The SEHU’s warning comes one day after it warned residents of possible exposures in Kingston, Ont. and Bellville, Ont.

Public Health Ontario says from Oct. 18, 2024 to April 9, 2025, Ontario has reported a total of 816 measles cases (678 confirmed, 138 probable) associated with an outbreak linked to travel from New Brunswick. Fifteen public health units in the province are affected. There are no confirmed cases of measles in Ottawa.

“The sharp increase in the number of outbreak cases and the geographic spread in recent weeks is due to continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized,” Public Health Ontario says on its website.

More information about measles is available at the SEHU’s website.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond