Health officials confirm measles outbreak in York Region

York Region Public Health has confirmed a measles outbreak in the York Region and the public may have been exposed to the virus at three locations.

The sites of potential exposure to measles are at the following locations:

• Fountain Medical and Wellness Centre (including the Rexall Pharmacy and waiting areas for Advanced Cardiology, Altima Wellness Centre and The Interventional Pain Specialists Clinic) in Richmond Hill on April 10, from 1:15 pm to 4:40 pm and April 12 from 11:45 am to 3:30 pm.
• Nando’s Restaurant in Richmond Hill on April 10 from 2:35 pm to 4:55 pm.
• Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket on Sunday, April 14 from 5:30 pm to Monday.

See also

• The number of global measles cases is already 300% higher than this time last year
• Ontario Medical Association launches public awareness campaign combatting vaccine myths
• Toronto Public Health warn of measles exposure at Vaughan Mills

All people who may have been exposed are advised to immediately do the following:

1. Check your immunization record to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date with the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). If you are unsure, please check with your health care provider.
2. Even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccination, watch for symptoms of measles until May 6, 2019.
3. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles. These individuals are encouraged to call York Region Public Health measles information line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280.

Measles spreads easily from person-to-person through droplets from the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.

Measles symptoms can appear between seven and 18 days after contact with an infected individual and may begin with a cough, runny nose, fever, red watery eyes and small spots with a white centre inside the mouth.

A red, blotchy rash appears on the third to the seventh-day, beginning at the hairline and spreading down the body to the arms and legs, according to health authorities.