Measles case reported at Brisbane Public School in Erin, students not fully vaccinated told to stay home
A recent measles case at Brisbane Public School in Erin, Ont., has prompted Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to issue a notice to families on April 21. The exposure occurred on April 14, 15, and 16, and parents and caregivers are advised to monitor their children for symptoms of measles until May 7.
The specific details of the case remain unclear, as it is unknown whether the affected individual is a student, teacher, staff member, or volunteer at the school. The Upper Grand District School Board shared the advisory sent by public health with CBC News.
According to the advisory, children who have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) or those born before 1970 can continue attending school. However, unvaccinated individuals must stay home until proof of vaccination is provided. Those without immunity may be excluded from school or childcare for up to 21 days following exposure.
Brian McKechnie, a communications officer for the Upper Grand District School Board, could not confirm if any teachers or staff members are currently on leave due to vaccination status. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has reported a total of 30 cases in the region, with Dr. Nicola Mercer expressing concern over the virus now being present in a school setting.
Dr. Mercer emphasized the importance of monitoring for symptoms of measles, which include fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a red, blotchy rash. While the majority of parents vaccinate their children, some may only have received one dose of the measles vaccine, as the second dose is typically administered after a child’s fourth birthday.
In a broader context, Public Health Ontario reported 95 new cases of measles as of April 23, bringing the total to 1,020 cases in Ontario since the outbreak began in October 2024. The report highlighted that a significant percentage of cases were in infants, children, and adolescents who were not immunized, underscoring the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the virus.
As the measles outbreak continues to affect communities across Ontario, health authorities are urging vigilance and adherence to vaccination guidelines to protect individuals from the potentially serious consequences of the disease.
