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On April 29, Halton Region Public Health was made aware of a confirmed case of measles that has led to potential exposures in Halton on April 26 and 27. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air.

Individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations on the dates listed below:

• Halton Family Health Centre (whole building), 2951 Walkers Line Unit B, Burlington, on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Halton Medix Clinic Milton, 100 Bronte St. S Unit 2, Milton, on Sunday, April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 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 this information.
• Those who are not immune, infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles. They should immediately contact Halton Region Public Health or their health care professional 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 for 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 and highly contagious illness, but it is preventable with vaccination,” said Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “We are reminding residents who may have been exposed to review their immunization records and monitor for symptoms. Vaccination remains the best protection, and we urge all residents, especially families with young children, to ensure their immunizations are current.”

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.