The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit has received confirmation of a positive measles case within the City of Kawartha Lakes. The resident is an adult, fully vaccinated,
with exposure originating from close contact with a previously confirmed measles case from another region.
The HKPR District Health Unit is actively following up individuals identified at the following known exposure locations:
Location Address Date Time Watch for symptoms until (21 days after exposure)
Dunsford District Elementary School
33 Dunsford Road, Dunsford
May 28, 2025 3 to 8 p.m. June 18, 2025
May 29, 2025 3 to 8 p.m. June 19, 2025
Dollarama Lindsay
363 Kent St. W., Lindsay May 30, 2025 3 to 5:05 p.m. June 20, 2025
Lindsay Square Mall
401 Kent St. W.,
Lindsay May 31, 2025 1 to 4 p.m. June 21, 2025
Hair Tones Salon 401 Kent St. W.,
Lindsay May 31, 2025 1 to 3:45 p.m. June 21, 2025
* Please note: Additional time has been included in the information above to reflect the potential for airborne transmission of the measles virus.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the date and location above, follow these steps:
1. Notify the HKPR District Health Unit. Please first visit HKPR’s Measles webpage and complete the health questionnaire, call 1-866-888-4577 x 4050, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email info@hkpr.on.ca.
2. Check your vaccination record. Confirm that household family members have received two (2) doses of the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). Those born before 1970 may only have received one (1) dose and are not considered susceptible.
3. Consider vulnerability and need for post-exposure care. If you were at the exposure location during the date and time listed AND are considered immunocompromised, unvaccinated (including children under the age of one year) or pregnant, contact the Health Unit to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure care.
4. Monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you develop any symptoms. Do not attend work or school and call the Health Unit if you develop signs or symptoms to notify them that you may have measles.
Symptoms and Complications
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through coughing and sneezing that can live for up to two hours in the air.
Symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:
• High fever of 38.8 C (101 F) or greater
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Red, watery eyes
• Small white spots with white centres, known as Koplik’s spots, on the inside of the mouth and throat.
• Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start.
Although people who get sick from measles usually recover without treatment, it is important to consider measles can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant women, and those with existing medical concerns. Possible complications of contracting measles include middle ear infections, pneumonia, or swelling of the brain and occasionally death in young children.
Measles Vaccination Information
The best way to protect against measles is through vaccination. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e., MMR and/or MMRV) is over 97 per cent effective in preventing a measles infection. The measles vaccine is a publicly funded, routine childhood vaccine in Ontario (Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule). Community members born in 1970 or after are advised to have two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Adults born before 1970 are generally considered protected against measles. Adults born before 1970 who work in certain healthcare settings may be recommended to receive the measles vaccine. Check your vaccination records or ask your healthcare provider to confirm your vaccinations.
For More Information
• Visit the HKPR District Health Unit’s Measles webpage
• View the Health Unit’s news Measles Fact Sheet
• Call the HKPR District Health Unit’s 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email info@hkpr.on.ca to speak to a public health professional.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
