OTTAWA – A case of measles was been confirmed in Ottawa yesterday and the victim is suspected of not having all required vaccinations.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating one confirmed case of measles in an individual who may not have received all their required measles vaccines. OPH is working closely with local health care providers and hospitals to contact individuals and families who may have been exposed to the infectious case. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease.

People who were present at the following locations and times were potentially exposed to the measles virus:

March 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: 40 Hines Rd – lobby, elevator or ground floor

March 27, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: 40 Hines Rd – lobby, elevator or ground floor

March 28, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Real Canadian Superstore, 760 Eagleson Rd.

March 28, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Ottawa West Medical Centre, 760 Eagleson Rd. 2nd floor

March 30, 19, 1 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.: Queensway Carleton Hospital Emergency Department

April 2, 9 a.m. – noon: Queensway Carleton Hospital Skin and Tissue Clinic

OPH advises all individuals who were present at these locations, at the times listed above to check their immunization records or contact their health care provider if they are unsure about their immunization status.

If you were at these location at those times and you fall into one of the following categories, please contact OPH at 613-580-6744:

• Born in or after 1970 AND never received a measles-containing vaccine or;
• Have a weakened immune system or;
• Are pregnant or;
• Work in the health care or child care sector or;
• Had a child under the age of 1 with you when you visited one of the above locations.

Early symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs. If you believe that you have measles, you should isolate yourself by staying home and avoid all contact with unimmunized persons. Call before visiting your health care provider, so they can take precautions to protect other patients.

The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. Measles is more severe in adults and infants than in children and can lead to complications. We strongly encourage all residents to consider vaccination as a way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If you are unsure of your vaccination status or that of your children, please discuss this with your health care provider.

For additional information on measles and immunization, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Centre at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). 

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