In a startling reveal, Thunder Bay residents are being urged to take precautions following potential measles exposure at several local clinics and medical labs.

Just days after reporting the city’s first measles case in nearly thirty years, health officials are sounding the alarm about possible virus exposure at four specific locations during the following hours:

Potential Exposure Locations:

- **Harbourview Family Health Team on Oliver Rd**: May 7, between 10:40 AM and 1:15 PM.

- **LifeLabs on Oliver Rd**: May 7, between 11:15 AM and 1:45 PM.

- **Port Arthur Health Centre (including Shoppers Drug Mart)**: May 8, between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

- **LifeLabs at P.A. Family Health Centre**: May 8, between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

This alert expands on a previous warning regarding a potential exposure on Air Canada flight 1195 from Toronto to Thunder Bay on May 4, between 9:40 PM and 11 PM, and at the Thunder Bay International Airport the same day between 11 PM and 1:30 AM.

Karen Battigelli, the infectious disease manager at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), confirmed that these clinics and labs were visited by the individual infected with measles.

In response to the health scare, both LifeLabs locations have temporarily closed to ensure patient and staff safety, taking this step proactively. Meanwhile, one additional LifeLabs site on Arthur Street remains operational.

The Oliver Road site is set to reopen with limited services on Wednesday. Health officials recommend that anyone who may have come into contact with the virus keeps a close watch for symptoms.

Monitoring Symptoms:

Those exposed on the aircraft or at the airport should monitor symptoms until May 25, while those at the clinics or labs on May 7 or 8 should do so until May 28 and 29, respectively. Common symptoms include:

- Fever and sore throat.

- Runny nose and cough.

- Red eyes.

- Small spots with white centers in the mouth.

- A red, blotchy rash that typically appears 3 to 7 days after other symptoms.

Even if vaccinated, individuals should stay vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms arise, notifying clinics ahead of time for proper precautions.

Measles is notably contagious, spreading easily through the air. Those born before 1970 are generally considered immune due to widespread previous exposure, while anyone born in 1970 or later should verify their vaccination status, which requires two doses for adequate protection.

Battigelli shared that the health unit was anticipating a measles case for the past year and while this is the only confirmed case thus far, sporadic cases are expected in the near future as travel increases to areas with high measles activity. She concluded, "While we don’t expect a widespread outbreak like other regions in southern Ontario, we must remain cautious and alert."

Stay safe, Thunder Bay—monitor your health and stay informed!