Measles Outbreak Triggers Exposure Alerts Across York Region

On August 2nd, 2025, York Region Public Health issued a series of warnings about potential measles exposures in the area. This comes after a confirmed case of the highly contagious virus was reported earlier this week.

According to the health agency, people may have been exposed to measles if they visited specific locations in the region. These include a Costco store in Richmond Hill, two pharmacies, and the emergency departments of two local hospitals. The exposures occurred between August 1st and August 3rd.

Measles is an airborne virus that can spread through coughing, sneezing, or even just breathing. It can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, posing a risk to unvaccinated individuals. Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash.

Health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms. Those who were in the emergency departments of the affected hospitals on August 3rd or 4th are eligible for a preventive vaccine. Individuals are advised to stay home and contact a local clinic or hospital before visiting if they develop measles symptoms.

The measles outbreak in York Region is part of a larger trend seen across the province, with over 2,350 cases reported since October. The virus poses a particular risk to pregnant women, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, who may face serious complications like brain inflammation and even death.