Confirmed case of measles in child in Mississauga prompts alert from health officials
Published June 16, 2023 at 4:52 pm
Health officials in Peel say members of the public may have been exposed to measles at several Mississauga locations last week after they confirmed a case of the virus in a child earlier today (June 16).
Peel Public Health (PPH) say they’re reaching out to known contacts of the child who may have been exposed to the virus.
In addition, the health authority says the public may have been exposed at the following locations in Mississauga:
- Walmart, 1500 Dundas St. E., on June 7 between noon and 5 p.m.
- Grant’s Foodmart, 3415 Dixie Rd., on June 7 between 5 and 9 p.m.
- Medical One Centre and Pharmacy For Family Practice and Walk-in Clinic, 620 Bloor St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 3 to 6:30 p.m. on June 9, and 1 to 4:30 on June 10
- Trillium Health Partners Mississauga Site, 100 The Queensway W., Emergency Department, on June 12 between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“Peel Public Health is investigating one lab-confirmed, locally acquired case of measles in a child without a link to another case and no travel history,” health officials said in a news release Friday afternoon (June 16).
Officials add that measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immunized or have not previously had measles. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.
All Ontarians are eligible for two publicly funded doses of the MMR vaccine based on the health-care provider’s clinical judgment and the needs of the patient, PPH noted.
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According to PPH, measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after infection and may include:
- high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis, ie. pink eye), sensitivity to light
- red rash lasting four to seven days
Health officials advise anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:
- check immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure are asked to check with their health-care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles
- watch for measles symptoms even in individuals who are up-to-date with measles vaccine
- anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their health-care provider or, if not available, Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 as soon as possible and do not attend work or school. People concerned about symptoms should call their health-care provider before going to see them to inform them that they may have been in contact with someone who has measles