On June 16, Halton Region Public Health was made aware of a confirmed case of measles that has led to a potential exposure in Halton on June 12. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air.
Individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following location on the date listed below:
3075 Hospital Gate – Medical Building, Oakville (whole building) on Thursday June 12 from 2:10 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Visitors to this location between 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. If you are not immune and were potentially exposed, please contact Halton Region Public Health as you may benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis.
- 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 7 to 21 days after contact with someone with the measles virus. Measles symptoms may 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 4 to 7 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.
About Halton
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 650,000 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 infrastructure 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.