Lab confirms measles case in York Region
Thestar.com
April 23, 2019
Aileen Zangouei
York Region Public Health released a list of locations where residents may have been exposed to measles as part of an investigation following a confirmed, travel-related case of the disease in the region.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread easily to those who are susceptible or unprotected. A news release from the public-health body said individuals who attended or worked at any of the following York Region locations during the identified times may have been exposed:
Health officials in York Region are warning of travel-related cases of measles linked to two medical facilities and a restaurant where people may have been exposed to the disease.
- Southlake Regional Health Centre (Emergency Department): 596 Davis Dr., Newmarket: from 5:30 p.m. April 14 to 5:45 a.m. April 15
- The Doctor’s Office Walk-in Clinic (including waiting area, Rexall Pharma Plus and lab): 9625 Yonge St., Richmond Hill: April 10 from 1:15 to 4:40 p.m., April 12 from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Nando’s Restaurant -- 9625 Yonge St., Richmond Hill: April 10 from 2:35 to 4:55 p.m.
People who did not attend any of these locations during the above dates and times are not considered at risk for this measles exposure.
All people who may have been exposed are advised to immediately do the following:
- Check you immunization record to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date with the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). Check with your health care provider if you are unsure.
- Even if you are up to date with your measles vaccination, watch for symptoms of measles until May 6.
- Infants younger than one, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles. These individuals are encouraged to call York Regional Public Health measles information line at 1-877-464-6675, ext. 77280.
Southlake Regional Health Centre is involved in notifying individuals who may have been exposed during the above dates and times.
Measles outbreaks have been reported this year in Japan, British Columbia and parts of the United States. Last month, public health officials in Toronto investigated two confirmed case of measles, one in a Scarborough infant and one in an adult who acquired it in another country and may have exposed the public to the disease at the Vaughan Mills shopping mall in Vaughan on March 20.
The best defence against measles is vaccination, and this is a good reminder for residents to check their immunization history and talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated.
“Symptoms of measles can include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots in the mouth or throat and a red rash on the face or body,” Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s medical officer of health, said.
“Anyone showing symptoms of measles is advised to seek health care as soon as possible and should call the health care provider/facility in advance of visiting to advise the provider/facility of their possible exposure to the measles virus. It is important to identify measles early to help prevent its spread to other people.”
