Public Health Warning: Measles Threat

Attention all visitors! If you were at North Bay Hospital between April 1st and 3rd, you may have encountered a person infected with the highly contagious measles virus.

The Health Unit has confirmed that anyone who was in the hallways, lobby at the east main entrance, or the retail pharmacy during these dates might be at risk. The specific exposure window was from 4:30 p.m. on April 1 to midnight on April 3.

Hospital Response and Safety Measures

Joanne Laplante, Vice President of Clinical services at the hospital, assures the public that, as of now, there are no confirmed cases among patients or staff. The hospital is proactively working with the Health Unit on contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed but notes that it cannot reach everyone.

To ensure safety, if you experience symptoms of measles and require medical attention, please call the hospital in advance at 705-474-8600 ext. 0 to help prevent further spread of the virus.

Understanding Measles: A Serious Risk

Measles is notoriously contagious, capable of spreading through the air and lingering on surfaces long after an infected individual has left. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms and take protective measures.

Community Call to Action

Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, the medical officer of health, emphasizes the need for community vigilance: "Those most at risk include young children, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. It's essential to get vaccinated and seek public health guidance if you believe you've been exposed or are showing symptoms."

The Health Unit has set up a dedicated measles exposure call center, operating Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on April 9. If you were at the hospital during the specified times, call 705-707-1455 immediately for advice on next steps.

Remember the Past: Measles Cases Spike!

This alert isn’t just a routine notification; it follows other recent measles exposures reported at Northgate Shopping Centre and Northland Bus Terminal on March 29. It serves as a critical reminder to remain vigilant and proactive about vaccinations and health protocols.