Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is warning the public about a confirmed community exposure to measles at a Listowel salon, and urging anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and take appropriate precautions.
The exposure occurred at Lavish Salon and Beauty Spa, located at 167 Inkerman Street West in Listowel, on two occasions: Thursday, March 20, 2025 between 3 and 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 22 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
HPPH says anyone who was at the salon during those times (even briefly) could be at risk, as measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Individuals who were at the salon during the identified timeframes are asked to call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299 if they or a family member were born in or after 1970 and have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or they or a family member are considered high-risk (pregnant, immunocompromised, or under 12 months of age).
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a red blotchy rash that usually starts on the face before spreading.
Once symptoms begin, individuals are considered contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it starts. While most people recover within two to three weeks, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, and in rare cases, brain inflammation or death.
HPPH is asking anyone who develops symptoms after visiting the salon during the exposure window to stay home and avoid contact with others. If medical attention is needed, patients should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and inform them of the potential exposure to allow proper precautions to be taken.
Public health officials are continuing contact tracing efforts but issued the community notice to reach anyone who may not have been identified during the investigation.
More information, including vaccination schedules and a self-assessment tool, is available at www.hpph.ca/measles.