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Measles Alert: Ottawa Public Health Issues Exposure Warnings
8 Oct
Summary
- Ottawa Public Health confirmed two measles cases linked to out-of-province exposure.
- Several public locations in Ottawa had possible measles virus exposure last week.
- Residents advised to monitor symptoms for 21 days, even if vaccinated.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has alerted residents to potential measles exposure sites across the city, following confirmation of two local cases. These individuals contracted measles after exposure outside of Ontario. OPH is directly notifying individuals who may have been exposed, but is also issuing a public notice for those who couldn't be reached.
The public health agency identified specific locations and times where individuals might have encountered the measles virus. These include several businesses such as Tim Hortons, Your Independent Grocer, Rexall Drugstore, Metro Supermarket, Subway, McDonalds, and Ruby's Restaurant. The dates of potential exposure were last week.
Individuals who visited these locations are advised to monitor themselves for measles symptoms for up to 21 days after their visit, regardless of vaccination status. OPH emphasizes checking vaccination records, typically noting MMR or MMRV vaccines. Most children in Ontario receive two doses by age seven, and people born before 1970 are generally considered immune from prior infection.
Symptoms of measles, a highly contagious respiratory infection, typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Initial signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and white spots in the mouth, followed by a characteristic rash. If symptoms develop, individuals should contact a healthcare provider and mention the potential measles exposure. Those without a provider can seek advice through Health811 or by calling 8-1-1.
