OTTAWA – A second, unrelated case of measles was confirmed in the Ottawa area yesterday (April 7).

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating one additional case of measles associated with international travel. This new case is not connected to the measles case announced by OPH on April 3. To date in 2019, there have been two confirmed measles cases in Ottawa.

OPH is working closely with local health care providers and hospitals to contact individuals and families who may have been exposed to the most recently identified infectious case. Ongoing updates will be posted at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.

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

March 29, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Loblaws, 100 McArthur Ave.

March 29, 9:15 p.m. – 9:25 p.m., OC Transpo bus Route 12, Montreal Road and North River Road to Rideau Street and Sussex Drive.

March 29, 9:25 p.m. – 9:50 p.m., OC Transpo bus Route 6, Rideau Street and Sussex Drive to Heron Road and Bank Street.

March 29, 10 p.m. – March 30, 1:30 a.m., O’Brien’s Pub and Eatery, 1145 Heron Rd.

March 30, 4:45 p.m. – 8 p.m., Coconut Lagoon Restaurant, 853 St. Laurent Blvd.

April 1, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart and Dynacare Laboratory, 150 Vanier Pkwy.

April 2, 7:30 p.m. – April 3, 7:45 p.m., The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, emergency department

April 3, 5:45 p.m. – April 4, 5:30 p.m. The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, 7 West.

IF you were at these locations at those times and you fall into one of the following four categories, you are at higher risk of developing measles and/or complications:

1)     Born in or after 1970 and never received a measles-containing vaccine;

2)     Have a weakened immune system;

3)     Are pregnant and are unimmunized and have never had measles;

4)     Children under the age of one year.

If you believe you were exposed to measles:

1)      Check your immunization status by checking your records or calling your health care provider.

2)      If you feel unwell, isolate yourself to protect others and if you need to see a health care provider, call ahead so they can take precautions to protect other patients.

3)      Do not go to the hospital to receive the measles vaccine.

4)      Speak to your health care provider if you wish to receive the measles vaccine.

There is a very effective vaccine that protects against measles called MMR. It is usually given during childhood. People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are generally well protected from measles. Also, people born in Canada in or before 1970 or people who have had measles in the past are also protected.  

The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. Early symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days after symptom onset, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs. 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/Measles or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Centre at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656).