Updated 2025:
Dear Camp Families:
The Ontario Public Health Department has issued a province-wide alert due to a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,400 confirmed active cases. They have warned that there is a high likelihood of measles exposure at a camp across Ontario this summer. Measles is very serious and highly contagious in children. For 1 to 3 children out of 1000 contracting measles, the illness is fatal.
If a measles exposure occurs at camp, Public Health will not mandate a camp closure. However, any individual—staff or camper—who cannot provide proof of measles vaccination (2 doses) will be required to leave camp and isolate at home for 21 days.
To help ensure your child can continue participating in summer camp and other seasonal activities without interruption, we strongly recommend locating and keeping a copy of their vaccination records on hand. These may be required by Public Health at any venue where an exposure occurs. Being sent home by Public Health would be considered a sickness absence and camp fees would not be eligible for refund, so please take the necessary steps to stay in camp.
Accepted proof of vaccination includes (one of the following):
The yellow Ontario Immunization Record card
A vaccination record printout from your family doctor
A copy of the immunization record from your local Public Health office
Given the long wait times to see healthcare providers, we encourage families to gather these documents as soon as possible. In the event that you cannot locate proof of vaccination, you may also arrange for your child to receive a new measles vaccination through your family doctor.
Taking these steps now will help protect your child’s health and ensure they can enjoy a safe, uninterrupted summer of fun.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
David Goodfellow
Executive Director
Measles Vaccination information provided by Government of Canada click here
Measles outbreak information from Ontario Public Health click here
Symptoms of measles
Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after being infected with the measles virus.
Initial symptoms include:
fever
cough
runny nose
red, watery eyes
About 3 to 7 days after symptoms begin, a rash appears. This rash looks like red spots and blotchy patches that start on the face, and then spread down the body, arms and legs.
The rash can last 4 to 7 days.
Most people recover from measles within 2 or 3 weeks.