On April 27, Halton Region Public Health was made aware of two confirmed cases of measles that have led to potential exposures in Halton on April 11, 17 and 24, 2024. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air.
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 Drive, Oakville, on Thursday, April 11.
- Oakville Pediatric Urgent Care including the waiting room and the Compounding Centre Pharmacy, 2540 Postmaster Drive, 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 Drive, 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 your 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 January 1, 1970). Your immunization record (yellow card) 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.
- Watch for symptoms of measles until 21 days after exposure.
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 (Koplik Spots)
- a red blotchy rash that first starts on the face and spreads down the body, arms, and legs (this rash can last four to seven days)
“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.
For more information about measles, visit the Preventing Communicable Diseases webpage or call 311.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 637,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.