Brampton baby tests positive for measles
Other individuals may have been exposed to the virus, Peel Region officials say
Public health officials in Peel Region say an infant from Brampton has tested positive for the measles and warn that people who visited one of several facilities in the past week and a half may have been exposed to the virus.
Anyone who was present at one of the following places during the specified times may have come into contact with the measles:
Thursday, March 27
- Muslim Community Services (third floor) and all common areas in the building at 150 Central Pkwy., Brampton, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday, March 31
- King's Cross Walk-In Clinic, 17 Kings Cross Rd., Brampton, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1
- King's Cross Walk-In Clinic, 17 Kings Cross Rd., Brampton, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2
- MCI Medical Clinic, Bramalea City Centre, 25 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 3
- Brampton Civic Hospital (emergency department), 2100 Bovaird Dr., Brampton, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. on April 4
People who have received two doses of a measles vaccine, or who have been infected with the virus before, are not at risk.
If you suspect you’re sick with the measles, officials said, you should contact your health-care provider immediately. But they warn you should call ahead before arriving at a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic, so staff can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading.
For more information, contact Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. The phone line will be open on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.to answer your calls.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of the measles can appear within 21 days after exposure. A bad cough, runny nose, fever, sensitivity to light and red-watery eyes are ailments commonly associated with a case of the measles.
About four days after infection, a rash starts at the face and moves down the body. White spots may appear inside the mouth.
The virus spreads easily to people who aren’t immune. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get particularly ill.
Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, croup and brain inflammation.
Ontario outbreaks
The Brampton baby's case comes amid a spate of measles infections across southern Ontario.
- Related: 11 confirmed measles cases in Ontario this year, officials say
- Related: City weeks away from declaring Hamilton measles outbreak over
At least 11 other people in Ontario have been infected with the virus since the beginning of the year.
Recent cases include three the Hamilton area, two in London and one each in the Toronto and Waterloo regions.