Kenora – Health – The Northwestern Health (NWHU) has reported a case of measles in the Kenora area. The individual diagnosed with measles is following the appropriate public health measures.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications.
The virus can live in the air for up to two hours, even after the person with measles has left the area. A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears.
The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The first symptoms of measles are a fever, a runny nose, sneezing, a cough, and red, sore, watery eyes.
Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. A rash usually appears after two to three days and starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
You do NOT need to call to get the measles vaccination urgently if you were NOT at any of the locations indicated, OR if you were born before January 1, 1970 OR you have had 2 doses of measles vaccine (MMR vaccine) OR you have lab confirmation of immunity.
If you were present at the locations identified below are not immune (have not had 2 doses of vaccine or lab confirmation of immunity), AND you were born on or after January 1, 1970, you are asked to call your local NWHU office.
| Place | Location | Date | Time of Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake of the Woods District Hospital emergency room/ department | 21 Sylvan Street, Kenora, ON P9N 3W7 | Dec 22, 2025 | 6:00 pm-10:00 pm |
| Kenora Library | 24 Main Street, Kenora, ON P9N 1S7 | Dec 23, 2025 | 1:30 pm-4:30 pm |
| Lake of the Woods District Hospital emergency room/ department | 21 Sylvan Street, Kenora, ON P9N 3W7 | Dec 26, 2025 Dec 27, 2025 |
3:00 pm-11:59 pm 12:00 am-1:30 am |
Who is considered protected against Measles
You are protected if you have one of the following:
- Two documented doses of a measles‑containing vaccine (e.g., MMR)
- Blood test showing measles immunity
- Lab‑confirmed past measles infection
- Born before 1970 (except healthcare workers and military personnel)
If none of these apply, you are not protected.
If you were exposed and are NOT protected
- School/childcare/healthcare students and workers: Stay home and contact your local public health unit or workplace occupational health.
- No MMR doses: Stay home and call NWHU for direction.
- One MMR dose: Contact your healthcare provider or public health to receive a second dose. Notify them before arriving so precautions can be taken. (If you don’t work in healthcare, you may return to regular activities after receiving the second dose.)
- High‑risk individuals (or those caring for them): Contact your healthcare provider or NWHU promptly to discuss vaccination or immunoglobulin. This includes:
- Babies under 1 year
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Pregnant individuals who are not immune
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or NWHU to check your records.
Monitor for symptoms
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth
- Rash starting on the face and spreading downward
If you develop symptoms
- If you need medical care: Call ahead before visiting any clinic or hospital so they can prepare. Wear a mask.
- If you don’t need medical care: Call your local public health unit for guidance.
- If you think you have measles: Isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider to discuss testing.
For more information about measles and the measles vaccine, visit our website: Measles Information – Northwestern Health Unit.
