York Region Public Health investigating exposures to confirmed measles case

Newmarket - York Region Public Health is notifying the public of six public measles exposure sites related to a newly confirmed measles case. The case, who acquired measles outside of Canada, was in York Region while contagious. If you attended any of these locations and York Region Transit (YRT) bus routes at the dates and times indicated, you may have been exposed to measles:

York Region Public Health advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:

• 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; immunizations are one of the safest ways to protect you, your children and your community from serious and potentially deadly vaccine-preventable diseases
• If you were present and you were with an infant under 12 months of age or are immunocompromised, you may be eligible for preventative treatment; please call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280 immediately
• Visit york.ca/MeaslesReporting to complete a brief contact follow-up survey; this will help York Region Public Health assess your risk (or those present with you) and prioritize contacts at greatest risk of becoming infected
• 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 you may have measles and require additional precautions

Measles continues to circulate in Canada and around the world. If you’re planning to travel, check that your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV) are up to date. The MMR vaccine is free, safe and the most effective way to protect you and your family from measles. 

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 such as 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 is not itchy and appears 3 to 7 days after the start of other symptoms

For more information, visit york.ca/Measles

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

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Media Contact:

Hayden Casey, Communications and Engagement Associate,
Community and Health Services
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 289-763-5045
@email 
After Hours: 905-806-1216
@email