HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health Services is investigating exposures locally related to four confirmed cases of measles in Hamilton residents.
Three of these cases are in children, one is in an adult, and all four cases have been assessed to be in the same household and related to a previous local case of measles, confirmed by Hamilton Public Health Services on April 17, 2024.
Hamilton Public Health Services has reached out to identified contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus. The public may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations, dates and times, as indicated:
- 45 Barlake Avenue apartment building, Hamilton, ON L8E 3R6
- April 21, 2024 to May 2, 2024
- Food Basics (2500 Barton Street East, Hamilton, ON L8E 4A2)
- April 21, 2024 from 4 pm to 6:15 pm
- McMaster Children’s Hospital Corner Café (1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5)
- the Corner Café is located on the second floor in the lobby – just inside the Main Street entrance
- April 30, 2024 from 9 am to 10:15 am
If you were present at the McMaster Children’s Hospital Corner Café at the above time, and you were with an infant under twelve months of age, are pregnant or are immunocompromised, please call 365-323-4993 immediately as you may be eligible for preventive treatment. This phone line will be answered from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on May 3 through to May 5.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at these locations should:
- Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
- Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure – even if they are up to date with their measles vaccinations.
If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and do not attend work, school, childcare, or any other public spaces. You should also take the following steps:
- Contact your healthcare provider by phone to discuss your symptoms. Before attending a healthcare setting including a clinic or hospital – you must notify the facility that you have been in contact with someone who has measles so that appropriate precautions can be put into place before you enter.
- If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 365-324-1439 to discuss follow-up recommendations.
- If you reside outside of Hamilton, please contact your local Public Health Unit.
Measles is a highly contagious infection of the lungs (respiratory illness) that spreads easily to those who are not vaccinated against measles or who have not previously had measles. Infants under one year of age, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications.
Measles symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:
- High fever of 38.8 C (101 F) or greater
- Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
“Measles is a serious preventable threat that can impact lives at any age,” said Dr. Brendan Lew, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “We can combat the spread of measles through education, vaccination and vigilant public health measures. It is strongly recommended you are up to date with appropriate measles vaccination especially before travelling.”