Hamilton child with measles was at a local Costco and 3 other locations last week, city says

Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) has issued a warning about exposures to a travel-related confirmed case of measles in a Hamilton child.

In a news release Sunday, HPHS said exposure to the measles virus may have occurred at the following locations on the dates indicated:

• Hamilton Medical Centre and Walk-In Clinic (52 Cannon Street West, Unit 103): March 5, from 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Costco — Stoney Creek Warehouse (1330 South Service Road, Stoney Creek): March 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Stoney Creek Medical Walk-in Clinic (140 Centennial Parkway North): March 6 from 6:40 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• McMaster Children's Hospital Emergency Department (1200 Main Street West): March 6 from 7:53 p.m. to 8:53 p.m.

"Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications," said Dr. Brendan Lew, 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. It is strongly recommended you and your family are up-to-date with appropriate measles vaccination and that you report your child's vaccines to Public Health."

Measles cases on the rise in Ontario

The warning from HPHS comes as Ontario faces a rise in measles cases. In recent weeks, cases have been reported in several parts of the province, including York Region, Peel Region, Windsor, North Bay, Guelph, Southwestern Public Health region, Grand Erie Public Health region and Huron Perth Public Health region.

HPHS says anyone who has been notified by Public Health that they have been exposed to the measles virus, or anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus should do the following:

• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure — even if they are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations. Measles symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:

1. High fever of 38.8 C or greater
2. Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start
3. Cough
4. Runny nose
5. Red, watery eyes

• Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health-care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.

For people born after 1970, who have not received two doses of measles containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV), HPHS says they should avoid contact with infants under one year of age, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people and any high-risk settings including health-care, child-care and school settings.

For any measles exposure that occurs in a school or childcare setting, Hamilton Public Health Services will exclude students and childcare attendees identified as exposed to the measles virus who do not have up-to-date records with Public Health. Those students or childcare attendees with no doses of a measles vaccine will be excluded from school or childcare for 21 days following the exposure.

Identified contacts of the measles virus who are students or childcare attendees with one dose of measles vaccine will be excluded until they receive a second dose of a measles vaccine. They should contact their health-care provider about receiving a second dose, and notify the clinic in advance that they have been identified as a contact of measles, HPHS says.

If you develop symptoms of measles, HPHS advises that you stay home and do not attend work, school, childcare, or any other public spaces. You should also take the following steps:

• Contact your health-care provider by phone to discuss your symptoms. Before attending a health-care setting including a clinic or hospital — you must notify the facility that you have been in contact with someone who has measles so that appropriate precautions can be put into place before you enter.

• If you are unable to reach your health-care provider, contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-546-2063 to speak with a Public Health Nurse to discuss follow-up recommendations.

• If you reside outside of Hamilton, please contact your local Public Health Unit.