Health officials in the haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) region are bracing for potential measles cases, following a meaningful resurgence of the virus in Ontario. Dr. Natalie Bocking, the region’s deputy medical officer of health, indicated that the health unit is actively preparing for the arrival of measles, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.

Measles Resurgence: A Cause for Concern

Measles, declared eliminated in Canada by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998, has seen a concerning resurgence.Dr. Bocking addressed the issue at a May 15 meeting, highlighting the re-emergence as the first confirmed case last fall.

The numbers paint a stark picture:

• Ontario (as of May 17, 2025): 1,848 cases, with 194 new cases reported between May 11 adn 17.
• Nationwide: 2,515 people have been affected by the virus.

Symptoms and Complications

Measles typically presents with flu-like symptoms, including:

• fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

These initial symptoms are followed by small white spots inside the cheeks and a reddish-brown rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.Measles can also weaken the immune system, leading to secondary infections such as pneumonia.

Vaccination: The Key to Prevention

Dr.Bocking emphasized that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent a measles outbreak. We should not be surprised if we do see a case. We certainly have had individuals who have been exposed – if attending gatherings in other jurisdictions where a case has been identified. So, the health unit is continuing to plan and prepare for when a case may, or likely will, arrive, she stated.

According to Dr. Bocking, approximately 94% of those afflicted with measles had either not been vaccinated or had an unknown immunization status. while most Ontario cases have been reported around London and Guelph, the HKNP region remains vigilant.

Local Exposure and ongoing Efforts

The health unit recently reported a possible exposure at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. Someone tested positive after reporting to the hospital May 19, according to Ashley Beaulac, health unit spokesperson, tho it has yet to result in further infections.

Vaccination Coverage and Recommendations

While the HKNP region has relatively good vaccination coverage, dr. Bocking noted that ther are still pockets of people,families who may not have had access,or chosen not to be vaccinated. Coverage for seven-year-olds across HKNP is about 90%, and about 95% for 17-year-olds.

In Ontario, a first dose of the measles vaccine is recommended between 12 and 18 months, and the second dose between four and six years old. Ideally, all children should receive their second dose before starting school.

Measles is included in the Immunization of School Pupils Act, requiring students to be fully vaccinated unless thay have an exemption. The health unit suspended student inoculations during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a larger at-risk population.

Travel Advisory and Summer Camps

Dr. Bocking advised that anyone traveling internationally should ensure they are fully vaccinated, as most canadian cases are contracted overseas.

With summer approaching, haliburton County will see an influx of youth attending camps. The health unit is working with camp operators to ensure they have proper plans in place to manage potential outbreaks. Operations will be considerably impacted if people don’t have access to their records of immunization to be able to demonstrate immunity, Dr. Bocking warned.