Huron Perth Public Health Issues Alert on New Measles Exposures

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has issued a public health alert regarding seven new possible exposures to measles in the communities of Stratford and Mitchell, Ontario. This warning follows potential exposures that occurred between June 3 and June 6, 2025, prompting health officials to advise individuals who were present at specific locations during these times to monitor for symptoms of measles for a duration of 21 days after their exposure.

The identified locations include: - Foodland, 581 Downie St., Stratford: June 3, from 7 to 9:15 a.m. - Long and McQuade, 145 Erie St., Stratford: June 3, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. - Shoppers Drug Mart, 211 Ontario St., Stratford: June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. - North Easthope Public School, 4672 Road 108, Stratford: June 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Shoppers Drug Mart, 211 Ontario St., Stratford: June 5, from 5:55 to 8 p.m. - On Stage Dance Studio, 172 Ontario St., Stratford: June 5, from 5:50 to 9:45 p.m. - Shell Station, 5878 Line 34, Mitchell: June 6, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Measles is known for its highly contagious nature; the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, making it possible for those who were briefly present at these locations to be at risk. HPPH has confirmed that it actively manages cases of measles and conducts contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed. However, given the fast transmission rate of the virus, it is possible that not all individuals can be directly contacted, necessitating public notifications of potential exposure events.

Health officials are urging anyone who may have been at these locations during the specified times to remain vigilant for symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash, which usually appears around 7 to 14 days after exposure. Affected individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice if symptoms develop, and to inform healthcare providers of their potential exposure to measles.

This alert underscores the ongoing public health efforts to manage and contain measles outbreaks, particularly in communities with varying vaccination rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, and vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention.

For further information and to complete a self-assessment regarding potential exposure, residents can visit the HPPH website at [HPPH Exposure Assessment](https://bit.ly/ExposureAssessment). The community is reminded of the importance of vaccination and herd immunity in preventing such outbreaks, particularly in light of fluctuating vaccination rates influenced by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

As measles cases continue to pose a risk in Ontario, experts emphasize the need for ongoing public education and accessible vaccination programs to mitigate outbreaks. HPPH continues to monitor the situation, with hopes of preventing further exposures and ensuring community health safety.