Hamilton public health warns of possible measles exposures at restaurant, concert hall
A case of the measles was confirmed in a person visiting Hamilton in early May, officials say
Hamilton public health is warning of possible exposures to the measles earlier this month.
A person who doesn't live in Hamilton but visited was later confirmed to have the measles, said public health in a statement Thursday.
Public health said it is following up with people who were in contact with the person and may have been exposed to the virus.
Others may have been exposed at the following dates and locations in Hamilton:
- May 2, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at CIMA Enoteca Restaurant, 190 Locke St. S.
- May 3, 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. at FirstOntario Centre Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days after, public health said. Symptoms include a high fever of 38.8 C or greater, red blotchy rash, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, drowsiness, irritability and/or small white spots with white centres on the inside of the mouth and throat.
People who develop symptoms are advised to stay home and contact a health-care provider over the phone before going in person.
"Measles is a serious, vaccine preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications," said Dr. Bart Harvey, Hamilton's associate medical officer of health. "Vaccination against measles is highly effective and we can combat the spread of measles through vaccination, education, and vigilant public health measures."
Virus continues to spread in Ontario
Measles has infected 182 people in Ontario over the last week, bringing the provincial total to 1,622 since October, according to Public Health Ontario.
Its measles report says there have been 119 hospitalizations, including 89 children. Of those hospitalized, 95 per cent were unvaccinated.
Southwestern Ontario's public health unit is still where most of the new cases are concentrated.
Measles cases in Alberta have reached nearly 400 since mid-March, infecting just over 120 kids under age five. The majority of those patients were unvaccinated, as well.
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