Measles exposure reported at restaurant and concert hall in Ontario

Public health officials are asking people to monitor for symptoms of measles after an individual with a confirmed case of the virus visited a restaurant and concert venue in Hamilton.

Today, Hamilton Public Health Services said it’s investigating the possible exposures after a person who was not from the city visited CIMA Enoteca Restaurant (190 Locke St. S.) on May 2 from 7 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and the First Ontario Centre Concert Hall (1 Summers Ln.) on May 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. Public health says the virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles at the restaurant or concert hall is advised to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. People who are up to date on their measles (or MMR) vaccine are at low risk of infection. The vaccine is typically given to anyone born after 1970 at 12 months and four to six years of age.

Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles is at risk of infection.

Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can safely receive the MMR vaccine, and a blood test can also be done to determine immunity. The vaccine is free for eligible adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics.

In a news release, Hamilton Public Health Services said it has notified and is following up with contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus at the restaurant and theatre.

Measles symptoms typically begin seven-to 21 days after infection and may include a high fever (38.8 C or 101 F or higher), a red, blotchy rash, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, drowsiness, irritability and small white spots with white centres (Koplik’s spots) inside the mouth and throat).

Children under one, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Anyone who develops symptoms should contact a health care provider–even if they are fully vaccinated. People who suspect they might have measles should call ahead before arriving at a medical clinic or hospital to inform staff and wear a well-fitted mask to reduce the risk of further spread. People with symptoms are advised to stay home from work or school and avoid public spaces.

“Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications,” said Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health, said in a news release.

“Vaccination against measles is highly effective and we can combat the spread of measles through vaccination, education, and vigilant public health measures. It is strongly recommended you and your family are up to date with appropriate measles vaccination and that you report your child’s vaccines to Public Health.”

The news comes after provincial health officials said that measles has infected 182 more people in Ontario over the last week, bringing the province’s case count to 1,622 since an outbreak began in October.

Public Health Ontario’s measles report says there have been 119 hospitalizations, including nine intensive care cases.

Of those hospitalized, 95 per cent were unvaccinated, including 89 children.

This is the third consecutive week Ontario is reporting that new cases are in the 200-range, which is on the higher end since experts started keeping track of weekly spread.

Southwestern Ontario’s public health unit is still where most of the new cases are concentrated.

Measles cases in Alberta have reached nearly 400 since mid-March, infecting just over 120 kids under age five.

The highly contagious disease continues to primarily infect unvaccinated children, infants and teenagers, both in Ontario and Alberta.

– With files from The Canadian Press