Measles exposure reported in school, pharmacy and clinic in Oakville and Halton Hills

Ontario | Halton | Halton Hills | Oakville | Community | Health |

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Published April 30, 2024 at 11:39 am

measles exposure mississauga hospital

Cases of measles have been confirmed in Oakville and Halton Hills this month.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air. Two confirmed cases have led to potential exposures in Halton on April 11, 17 and 24.

“Measles is a serious disease that can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. I encourage everyone to ensure their immunizations, including for measles, are up to date, particularly children who may have missed their routine shots during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region.

Halton Region Public Health is reaching out to known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations on the dates listed below:

  • Maple Grove Public School and YMCA Before and After Care, 288 Maple Grove Dr., Oakville, on Thursday, April 11.
  • Oakville Pediatric Urgent Care including the waiting room and the Compounding Centre Pharmacy, 2540 Postmaster Dr., Oakville, on Wednesday April 17, from 12:08 to 3:09 p.m.
  • Georgetown Medical Associates and Halton Hills Family Health Team, 199 Princess Anne Dr., Georgetown, on Wednesday, April 24, from 9:19 a.m. to 12:02 p.m.

Visitors to these locations during the times noted should check their immunization records to make sure you and any people who accompanied you have up-to-date measles vaccinations. Two doses are recommended for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1970. Your yellow immunization record or your doctor can provide you with this information.

Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles and should contact Halton Region Public Health or their health care professional immediately for further assessment.

If you think you may have measles and need to see a doctor, you must call ahead to the doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or emergency department. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.

Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after contact with someone who has the measles virus. Measles symptoms include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • red eyes
  • sleepiness
  • irritability
  • small, white spots on the inside of the mouth
  • a red blotchy rash that first starts on the face and spreads down the body, arms, and legs

For more information about communicable diseases, visit the Region website here.

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