Health officials have confirmed an Oshawa measles exposure after an unimmunized child from Durham Region tested positive for the highly contagious virus, raising concerns that others may have been exposed in the community.
The Durham Region Health Department announced the confirmed measles case on March 6 and said public health officials are actively investigating the situation. Officials are also contacting individuals who may have had direct contact with the infected child.
However, health authorities warn that members of the public may also have been exposed to measles at two locations in Oshawa during late February and early March.
According to the health department, potential exposure may have occurred at Ritson North Urgent Care and Lakeridge Health Oshawa’s emergency department waiting room.
Public health officials say individuals who were present at Ritson North Urgent Care between 1:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on February 26, or between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on March 2, could have been exposed to the virus.
Another potential exposure occurred at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, specifically in the emergency department waiting room, between 11:25 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 2.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses and can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for several hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Health officials say certain groups face a higher risk of severe complications if infected with measles. These groups include infants under one year old, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of measles typically begin with a fever of 38.3°C or higher, followed by cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Within a few days, many infected individuals develop a red, blotchy rash that usually lasts between three and seven days.
Durham Region Health officials are advising residents who may have been present at the exposure locations to confirm that they and their family members have received two doses of the measles vaccine, which provides strong protection against the virus.
People born before 1970 are generally considered protected because measles infection was common before widespread vaccination programs were introduced.
Anyone unsure about their vaccination status should consult their health-care provider or local public health office.
Public health authorities also stress that anyone experiencing measles symptoms should stay home and avoid attending work, school, or public places to prevent further spread of the virus.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed are advised to call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital so medical staff can prepare appropriate infection control measures.
Individuals who do not have access to a family doctor or health-care provider can contact the Durham Health Connection Line for guidance.
The phone numbers for the service are 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
Durham Region Health officials say they will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates if additional exposure locations are identified.
