Measles Case Confirmed in Brampton

Brampton | Ontario | Latest News |

Published February 14, 2018 at 11:51 pm

Peel Public Health has reported one confirmed case of measles in an adult from Brampton who travelled internationally. 

Peel Public Health has reported one confirmed case of measles in an adult from Brampton who travelled internationally. 

According to Peel Public Health, anyone who was in the following places at the following times may have been exposed to measles:

  • Feb. 9, Sheridan College Library – Davis Campus, Brampton, 12 – 5 p.m.
  • Feb. 9, Brampton Transit, Route 104 Chinguacousy Express, 4 – 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 9, Guardian Sheridan Pharmacy, 373 Steeles Ave. W, Brampton, 2 – 5:30 p.m.

“The virus can only live outside the body (e.g., on surfaces and in the air) for up to two hours, so people who visited these locations or used these services at other times are not at risk,” said Peel Public Health in a recent statement.

If you were in one of those locations at those times, there are two precautionary measures you’re advised to take. First, check your immunization records to ensure you have had two doses of the measles vaccines (MMR or MMRV). You can get this information from an immunization record (yellow card) or from your doctor.

Peel Public Health says that “Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended for anyone born after 1969.”

The second measure for anyone who might have been exposed at those locations and times is to watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure. Measles symptoms include a high fever, cold-like symptoms like a cough or a runny nose, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots with a white centre on the inside of your mouth, and a red rash lasting four to seven days.

You should not go to a medical facility without calling them in advance to inform them you’ve been in contact with someone who has measles, says Peel Public Health.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily to anyone who isn’t immune or who is vulnerable.

“Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles. Residents who are travelling internationally should always check their immunization status with their doctor prior to travel.”

For more information, contact Peel Public Health at (905) 799-7700.

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