Possible measles exposure in Brampton and Mississauga

January 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

Peel Public Health is investigating a possible case of measles in a child from Brampton.
Members of the public may have been exposed to measles in a number of settings in Brampton and Mississauga during the period between Jan. 1 and 5. This possible case arrived in Canada from a measles-endemic country just prior to becoming ill.
Anyone who was in the following places during the times listed may have been exposed to measles.
• Jan. 1 — Emirates Airline Flight EK0605 from Karachi to Dubai to Toronto.
• Jan. 1 — Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal One, 3:25 to 7:25 p.m.
• Jan. 3 — Multi-Specialty Walk In Clinic, 21 Queensway West, Mississauga, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Jan. 5 — Brampton Urgent Care Clinic, Springdale Square, Unit 8, 51 Mountainash Rd., Brampton, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Jan. 5 — Brampton Civic Hospital Emergency Department, 2100 Bovaird Dr. East, Brampton, 8:45 p.m. Jan. 5 to 3:45 a.m. Jan. 6.
Visitors to the identified locations during the times noted should check their immunization records to make sure they and their children have had two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The child’s immunization record (yellow card) or the doctor can provide this information. Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended for anyone born after 1969.
The virus can only live outside the body (such as on surfaces and door handles) for up to two hours, so people who visited these locations at other times were not exposed.
Watch for symptoms of measles until 21 days after possible exposure. These include a high fever; cold-like symptoms (cough or runny nose); sore eyes or sensitivity to light; small spots with a white centre on the inside of the mouth; and a red rash lasting four to seven days.
Peel Public Health is working with the health care settings to identify and follow-up with anyone who visited the above locations during the times listed and may be at risk. Anyone who shows symptoms should call their health care provider immediately and tell them they have been exposed to measles and feel unwell. Do not go to any medical facility without telling them before the appointment that you have been in contact with someone who has measles.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immune or are vulnerable. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.
Concerned residents should visit Peelregion.ca/health for news and alerts about measles.
For more information, contact Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit Peelregion.ca/health