3 measles cases confirmed west of Toronto are connected

CityNews has learned there are now three confirmed cases of measles in the Hamilton and Halton area after a man sparked a possible exposure in Mississauga.

Health officials say two people were infected by the Hamilton man – one was a Hamilton woman who contracted the highly contagious disease while in a “healthcare” setting with the man.

A Halton resident also acquired measles from the man, although there has been no word on where the infection occurred.

Officials say the Hamilton man contracted the disease on a trip to Philippines two weeks ago. He developed a rash in early March.

Hamilton Public Health officials say they are more concerned over the infected woman as she visited a number of places in Hamilton, Burlington and Mississauga between March 22 and March 27 where possible exposure could have happened.

One of the locations visited was the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park at 3636 Hawkestone Rd. on March 22 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Officials say that anyone at the park on March 22 should check their vaccination records and watch for symptoms until April 12.

Contact information for Hamilton Public Health: 905-546-3500 Email:publichealth@hamilton.ca

Officials say the woman also frequented the following places:

In Burlington: The Queen’s Head Pub, March 22 between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.; Milestones Restaurant, March 23 between 7 p.m. and midnight; and Joseph Brant Hospital on three occasions – March 25 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. the next day, March 26 between 3:30 p.m. and midnight, and March 27 from 11:15 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In Waterdown: The Mill Street & 5 American House restaurant between 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. on March 23; the Canada Post outlet on Main St. N. between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 24; the Boston Pizza on Horseshoe Cres. from 5:15 to 10:30 p.m. March 24; and the Walmart on Dundas St. E. between 2 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on March 26.

Toronto Public Health said most people with measles are sick for up to 10 days and then recover completely, but it can lead to death. Find out more information from Toronto Public Health below:

Measles Fact Sheet

What is measles (also known as red measles and rubeola)?
Measles is a very easily spread infection of the lungs (respiratory system) caused by a virus.

What are the symptoms of measles?
The measles virus causes a fever, rash, cough, red watery eyes and a runny nose. The red rash starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Most people with measles are sick for up to 10 days and then recover completely.

Symptoms are more severe for infants and adults. Measles can lead to ear infections, lung infection (pneumonia), an infection of the brain (encephalitis), and death. Pregnant women with measles can have premature delivery and miscarriages. Measles does not cause birth defects.

How can I get measles?
Measles is easily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading droplets that contain the virus into the air. Less commonly, particles from an infected person can stay in the air for long periods of time and infect others in the same room. Measles is one of the easiest viruses to spread from person to person. It is rarely seen in Canada now due to high vaccination rates.

When is someone with measles contagious?
People infected with measles can spread it to others 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.

Who is at risk of getting measles?
Infants under the age of 1 are most at risk because measles vaccine is not given until children are 1 year of age or older. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1970 who is not vaccinated and who has never had measles infection is at risk. People born before 1970 have likely developed immunity to the virus and may be protected; the exception is for health care workers, post-secondary students, military personnel and travelers who must ensure they have received measles-containing vaccine, or laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of laboratory confirmed measles disease.

If I have been in contact with someone who had measles, how long before I can get symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear 10 days after contact with an infected individual but can range from 7 to 21 days. The rash usually appears 10-14 days after exposure.

Can I get measles more than once?
No. Once someone has had measles they are protected for life.

How is measles diagnosed?
Measles can be diagnosed by the common signs and symptoms combined with laboratory tests.

How is measles treated?
There is no specific treatment for measles. Supportive care in hospital may be needed for severe infections, but most people can recover at home. If you think you have measles, it is important to speak to a doctor before visiting the doctors office so that the infection is not passed to others.

What can I do to prevent measles?
If you were born since January 1st, 1970, getting vaccinated is the best way of preventing infection.

What is the measles vaccine?
Measles vaccine comes in two types, a combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine. Two doses provide over 95% protection against all diseases. Vaccination also makes the diseases milder for those who may catch them.

Who should get measles vaccine?
In Ontario, all children routinely receive two measles vaccinations. The first is given as MMR vaccine at 12 months of age.

The second is given before school entry between four and six years of age as MMRV. Adults born after January 1, 1970 should also make sure they have received two shots of the MMR vaccine. Regardless of age, health care workers, students in post-secondary schools, military personnel and travelers should ensure they are already immune (laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of laboratory confirmed measles disease) or have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose.

What can I do if I come into contact with someone who has measles?
If an unvaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has measles, there are two ways to prevent infection.

First, they can get measles vaccine which can prevent infection if given within 72 hours of contact with an infected person.

Second, they can get an immunoglobulin injection if this is done within 6 days of coming into contact with an infected person. Immunoglobulin is a blood product containing antibodies that help prevent infection. It is usually given to people who are at risk of severe complications from measles, such as infants, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?
Yes. Most people will have no side effects. Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare. Side effects are less common after the second dose of the vaccine.

Who should not get the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine should not be given if you:

• Have high fever or serious infection more severe than a cold. It is better to wait until you recover before getting the MMR vaccine.
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
• Have a severe allergy to a previous dose of MMR or any component of the vaccine including gelatin or an antibiotic called neomycin.
• Have recently received a blood product (e.g. serum immune globulin). You should wait 3 to 12 months before getting the MMR shot depending upon which blood product you received.
• Have had a live vaccine (e.g. chickenpox vaccine) in the last 28 days. You should wait 28 days before getting the MMR shot.
• Check with your doctor if you have a weakened immune system that lowers the bodys ability to fight infections (such as HIV, cancer or taking certain medications).

Where can I get more information?
For more information about measles call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or TTY 416-392-0658.