Grey Bruce Public Health is advising the community of a possible measles exposure location.
They say, as part of a contact-tracing investigation, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has identified and shared with Grey Bruce Public Health that people could have been exposed to the measles virus while aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun on the following dates and times:
Thursday, July 17, 2025
South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. crossing, and Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. crossing.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. crossing, and South Baymouth to Tobermory, 3:30 p.m. crossing.
Public Health says, anyone who was on the ferry during these crossings should confirm their vaccination status and ensure all individuals in the household are up to date on measles vaccination. They say, in general, those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) are recommended for anyone born after 1970. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, public Health says you should check with your healthcare provider or ICON.
They say if you’re not protected against measles, you should contact your healthcare provider or Grey Bruce Public Health to receive post-exposure treatment, if it’s been six days or less since exposure, or to receive a measles-containing vaccine for lifelong protection.
They say to monitor for measles symptoms, which generally start 7 to 21 days after exposure. For the July 17 crossing, monitor for symptoms until Aug. 7, 2025. For the July 21 crossing, monitor for symptoms until Aug. 11, 2025. Symptoms can include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes, and sensitivity to light. About three to seven days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash looks like red spots and blotchy patches that start on the face then spread down the body, arms and legs.
The Health Unit says, “If an individual develops measles symptoms, they should immediately isolate at home and call a healthcare provider. Household members who are not immune to measles should also stay home during this period and consult with public health. If medical care is required, call ahead to a healthcare facility before arriving in-person, so the facility can take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to others.”
Grey Bruce Public Health has created a dedicated measles webpage, available at the following link: Measles – Grey-Bruce.