Second Measles Exposure Reported at Brantford General Hospital

Brantford, Ontario – Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued a warning regarding a second confirmed measles exposure at the labour and delivery unit of Brantford General Hospital. The latest exposure occurred on June 3, 2025, between 7:30 PM and 11:06 PM, following a previous incident on May 26, 2025, from 8:06 PM to 11:06 PM. The announcement has raised significant public health concerns, particularly among those who may be at risk due to insufficient vaccination.

According to GEPH, anyone born in or after 1970 who has not contracted measles or received two doses of the measles vaccine is at heightened risk for infection if exposed to the virus. Public Health officials advise that receiving the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. Furthermore, individuals at high risk, including infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons, may qualify for immunoglobulin treatment within six days of exposure to mitigate potential infection or lessen its severity.

The highly contagious nature of measles is underscored by the fact that symptoms can manifest within a week, but can also appear up to 21 days after exposure. This delay complicates the management of outbreaks and necessitates vigilant monitoring of exposure sites.

GEPH has provided a measles exposure form on their website to assist individuals who believe they may have been exposed, facilitating risk assessment and guidance on further actions. In addition to the labour and delivery unit, other locations recently identified as exposure sites include Conklin Medical Centre on May 24, Brantford General Hospital’s Emergency Department on May 25, and Houghton Public School on May 20-21. These incidents have prompted calls for increased vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns regarding measles prevention.

Dr. Emily Thompson, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, emphasizes the urgency of addressing such outbreaks. "Measles is not just a historical concern; it poses real threats to public health, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates," she explained, urging individuals to review their vaccination status and seek immunization if necessary.

The Ontario Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of childhood vaccinations and the dangers presented by measles. "The resurgence of measles highlights the critical need for continued public education regarding the benefits of immunization," stated Minister of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, in a recent press conference. The ministry has implemented outreach programs to inform parents about the necessity of vaccinations as a community health measure.

As public health officials continue to investigate these exposures, the broader implications for the healthcare system and community health remain significant. Health experts warn that without a robust vaccination strategy, further outbreaks could destabilize healthcare resources and endanger vulnerable populations.

Looking forward, GEPH and local healthcare providers are intensifying efforts to promote vaccination and ensure all individuals are informed about the risks associated with measles exposure. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent such outbreaks and protect the health of the community.