Durham Region Health Department is alerting the public to a potential measles exposure at a church in Bowmanville after an individual from outside the region attended services while contagious.
According to the Health Department, exposure may have occurred at Salem United Reformed Church, located at 2607 Concession Road 4, Bowmanville, during the following times on Sunday, July 20:
- 9:30 am to 1 pm
- 3 pm to 6:30 pm
Individuals who were at the church during those times should monitor for symptoms until August 10, which is 21 days after possible exposure.
While there have been no reported cases of measles in Durham Region so far this year, the Health Department is actively working to identify known contacts who may have been exposed, said a statement.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. It poses increased risks to infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Call: Anyone in these groups who may have been exposed should contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, especially if exposure was within the past six days.
Those who believe they may have been exposed are advised to:
- Confirm their measles vaccination status (two doses of MMR or MMRV).
- Contact a health care provider if unsure of their immunization status.
- Stay home and avoid public settings if symptoms appear.
- Call ahead before visiting a medical facility and wear a mask when attending.
Symptoms typically develop between 7 and 21 days after exposure and can include:
- High fever (potentially over 38.3°C / 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Sensitivity to light
- A red rash that lasts four to seven days
For more information about measles or a list of known exposure sites in Ontario, visit the Public Health Ontario measles exposures page or durham.ca/Measles.