Durham Region Health Department advising of potential exposure to confirmed measles case

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department is notifying the community of a potential measles exposure at a local area church. The case is from outside of Durham Region but visited this church while contagious.

Exposure may have occurred at the following location:

Location	Address	Date	Time	Watch for symptoms until (21 days after exposure)
Salem United Reformed Church	2607 Concession Road 4, Bowmanville, L1C 3K6	July 20, 2025	9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.	August 10, 2025

The Health Department is currently working to identify known contacts who may have been exposed. There have been no cases of measles reported in Durham Region so far for 2025.

The Health Department advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at the above location to note the following:

• Confirm you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected. Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status should check with their health care professional.
• If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school. Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital and let them know you may have measles to allow them to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a well-fitting mask when getting a medical assessment.
• Individuals who do not have access to a health care professional may also call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immunized or have not previously had measles. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

Infants under one-year old, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications from measles. If you are in one of these three groups and it has been six days or less since your possible exposure date, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after infection and may include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 38.3°C/104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis, i.e. pink eye), sensitivity to light
• Red rash lasting four to seven days

To see a list of measles exposure sites, visit Public Health Ontario’s Measles Exposures in Ontario website. For more information about the measles virus, visit durham.ca/Measles.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.