Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Bowmanville Church, Health Department Provides Guidance

The Durham Region Health Department has alerted the public to a potential measles exposure at Salem United Reformed Church, 2607 Concession Road 4 in Bowmanville. The Health Department states that an individual who is not a Durham Region resident visited the church while contagious on July 20, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Health officials are working to identify known contacts who may have been exposed. The Health Department reports that there have been no measles cases among Durham Region residents in 2025 as of the announcement.

According to the Health Department, anyone who may have been present at the church during the listed times is advised to confirm they and their family members have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The Health Department notes that individuals born before 1970 are generally considered protected due to likely past infection. Anyone unsure of their vaccination status is advised by the Health Department to check with their health care professional.

The Health Department advises those who develop symptoms to stay home, not attend work or school, and to call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital, informing staff about possible measles exposure. The Health Department also advises wearing a well-fitting mask for any medical assessment. Individuals without access to a health care professional may call the Durham Health Connection Line.

The Health Department reports that measles is highly contagious and can spread to those who are not immunized or have not previously had the disease. The measles virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

According to the Health Department, infants under one year old, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications. The Health Department asks that people in these groups who may have been exposed within the last six days contact the Durham Health Connection Line.

Symptoms of measles, as noted by the Health Department, typically begin seven to 21 days after infection and may include high fever (which may spike above 38.3°C or 104°F), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and a red rash lasting four to seven days.

Further information about measles exposure sites is available on Public Health Ontario's website. The Health Department provides additional information about the measles virus at durham.ca/Measles.