Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reporting more possible measles exposure sites. According to a statement sent by HPPH on Friday, there were possible exposures at five sites in Stratford between May 13 and May 15.
The exposures occurred at the following locations, dates and times:
Life Labs at 106-342 Erie St., Stratford on Tuesday, May 13, between 7:10 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.
Stratford Tailoring and Alterations at 319 Ontario St., Stratford on Tuesday, May 13, between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Fanfare Books at 92 Ontario St., Stratford on Tuesday, May 13, between 12:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 1,4 between 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Thursday, May 15, between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Balzac’s Coffee at 149 Ontario St., Stratford, on Wednesday, May 14, between 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Buzz Stop at 17 York St., Stratford on Thursday, May 15 between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Public Health is asking anyone who was at the locations during those timeframes to monitor for measles signs and symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
People who are at a high risk of severe measles illness due to incomplete vaccinations, age, pregnancy, or compromised immunity should complete a self-assessment available on the public health website. This includes those who were present at the location only briefly, as measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, watery red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads down the body (normally appears three to seven days after symptoms begin).
Someone who has measles can be contagious from four days before the rash starts until four days after the rash starts.
Anyone exposed and who develops symptoms should contact public health, stay home, and avoid contact with people. Contact your healthcare facility before your arrival, and wear a mask.
Measles can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain inflammation and death.