Health unit warns public of measles exposure after 1 adult case confirmed in London
Exposure could've occurred from March 3 to March 8 at Fanshawe campuses, along Dundas Street and bus routes
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is alerting the public about possible measles exposures at various sites throughout London earlier this week, after health officials confirmed an adult acquired the disease while travelling abroad.
London's vaccination rate is relatively high, hovering between 85 to 90 per cent, said associate medical officer of health Dr. Joanne Kearon. The rate is "still a bit lower than before COVID, but still quite strong."
But there is a chance of secondary cases of people who may have been infected due to exposure to this person, she said.
Community members may have been exposed at the following locations:
Sunday, March 3
- 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: True Taco restaurant at the Western Fair District Market, 900 King St.
Monday, March 4
- 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Fanshawe College Wellness and Fitness Centre at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.
- 1 p.m.: Bus Route 4 or 104 to downtown campus
- 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Fanshawe Downtown campus at 130 Dundas St.
- 5:20 p.m.: Bus Route 20 leaving downtown
- 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.: Hi Yogurt Downtown London at 189 Dundas St., Unit B
Tuesday, March 5
- 8:35 a.m.: Bus Route 104 to downtown
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Fanshawe Downtown campus at 130 Dundas St.
- 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: London Public Library, Central Branch at 251 Dundas St.
Wednesday, March 6
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Mr. Choco Bubble Tea at 670 First St.
Thursday, March 8
- 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic at Fanshawe College, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.
Check vaccine records, says doctor
Kearon advises anyone who could've been exposed to check their immunization records and make sure they're up to date with two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Symptoms can appear within two to three weeks after exposure, Kearon said, adding they could be vague at the beginning and feel similar to cold-like symptoms, including coughing, a runny nose, fever and sensitivity to light.
After several days, patients develop a red rash that can last up to a week, she said.
"Measles is airborne and incredibly infectious," she said. "There's not a lot of protection you can take ahead of time other than to get vaccinated.
"Even if you're not exposed to this case, check your records."
Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1970. Those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles, according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Anyone who is unsure about their vaccination status is urged to check with their health care provider.
Anyone who has been exposed should contact their local public health unit immediately if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, including children younger than one year old.