York Region warns about possible measles exposure at four locations

By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

York Region is warning the public that individuals may have been exposed to measles at four locations, as announced in a media release on Aug. 1.

People may be at risk of developing measles if they visited Costco Richmond Hill at 35 John Birchall Rd. on July 27 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. and should watch for symptoms until Aug. 17.

People may also be at risk if they visited Grand Genesis Pharmasave at 9080 Yonge St. on July 28 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. They should watch for symptoms until Aug. 18.

Additionally, people who visited the emergency waiting room in Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital at 10 Trench St. on July 30 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. should watch for symptoms until Aug. 20.

Finally, people who travelled to the emergency department, pharmacy, or Tim Hortons in Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at 3200 Major Mackenzie Dr. W. on July 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. should watch for symptoms until Aug. 21.

Anyone who was present in the above areas should stay home, fill out a form at https://www.york.ca/form/measles-contact-notification, and inform their health professional about a possible measles exposure before seeing them.

Alternatively, residents may call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675, ext. 77280.

People who visited Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital or Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital during the above times should call York Region Public Health, as they may be eligible to receive treatment at a post-exposure vaccine clinic.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air. Viruses can live in air droplets or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People can get infected by breathing in the virus, as well as touching infected surfaces and then their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms begin one to three weeks after exposure, and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Additionally, people infected with measles may develop a red rash that starts on their heads and spreads downward towards the rest of their bodies. This rash may appear three to seven days after other symptoms and is usually not itchy.

Measles can sometimes lead to severe problems, such as brain inflammation and death. People with a higher risk include infants under one year old, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

Individuals who have either had two doses of the measles vaccine or a previous infection are most protected from a future infection. Two vaccine doses are about 97 per cent effective in preventing the disease.

York Region is offering a free measles vaccine dose to anyone at least 12 months old if they are eligible and lack access through a health care provider. This service is temporary and residents must book an appointment through https://york.vertoengage.com/engage/smart-digital-front-door?key=digital-front-door&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=NV.erXF0pe6sAT2nmJCg9p0IT4Skh3TTi4K.CbA6WGk-1636399614-0-gaNycGzNCOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97 per cent effective at preventing measles.