York Region Public Health investigating exposures to a confirmed measles case

February 05, 2025

Newmarket – York Region Public Health is notifying the public about two potential measles exposure sites in York Region.

If you attended these locations at these dates and times, you may have been exposed to measles:

  • Best Western Voyageur Place Hotel: 17565 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket from 2 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 (Exposure ID: 2025001) 
  • Magna Centre: 800 Mulock Drive in the Town of Newmarket on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Exposure ID: 2025002)

If you were present at the above times and locations AND you were with an infant under 6 months of age, you are pregnant or if you are immunocompromised, please call York Region Public Health immediately as you may be eligible for preventive treatment (1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

The case of measles is associated with the current outbreak of measles in Grand Erie Health Unit.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus should:  

  • Complete a brief contact follow-up survey to help assess your risk (or those present with you) and allow York Region Public Health to prioritize those contacts at greatest risk of becoming infected
  • Confirm you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected
  • If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school; call your health care professional before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions; you may also call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death.

Symptoms of measles start 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:  

  • High fever, cough, runny nose 
  • Red, watery eyes (i.e., pink eye or conjunctivitis) 
  • Red rash that typically starts on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs; the rash typically appears 3 to 7 days after exposure and is not itchy 

Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure (until Saturday, February 22, 2025).

More information on measles can be found at york.ca/measles

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices 

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