Measles exposure reported at grocery store, apartment and hospital cafe in Hamilton, Ontario | insauga

Four people with confirmed cases of measles might have exposed others to the highly infectious disease in several locations, including an apartment building, grocery store and hospital cafe.

Today, Hamilton Public Health Services said that three children and one adult from Hamilton visited a number of places in the city.

Public health says all the affected people live in the same household and contracted the disease locally from someone whose case was confirmed on April 17.

The individuals with measles visited the following Hamilton locations:

45 Barlake Avenue (apartment building)

April 21 to May 2, 2024

Food Basics (2500 Barton St. E.)

April 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

McMaster Children's Hospital Corner Café (1200 Main St. W.)

April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

In a news release, public health officials said they have contacted known people who may have been exposed to the virus.

"If you were present at the McMaster Children's Hospital Corner Café at the above time, and you were with an infant under 12 months of age, are pregnant or are immunocompromised, please call 365-323-4993 immediately as you may be eligible for preventive treatment," public health said in a statement.

"This phone line will be answered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 3 through to May 5.

Anyone who might have been exposed should check their immunization records or call their health care provider to confirm they and their family members are up to date on vaccinations. People born after 1970 should have at least two shots to be fully protected. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically offered to children at 12 months and four-to-six years of age.

Anyone exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days, even if fully vaccinated.  Symptoms include a high fever (38.8 C or 101 F or higher), a red, blotchy rash that starts three-to-seven days after symptoms start), cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

"Measles is a serious preventable threat that can impact lives at any age," said Dr. Brendan Lew, associate medical officer of health, in a statement.

"We can combat the spread of measles through education, vaccination and vigilant public health measures. It is strongly recommended you are up to date with appropriate measles vaccination especially before travelling."

Anyone who begins showing symptoms should contact their health care provider, Hamilton Public Health Services (365-324-1439), or their local health public unit (if they live outside of Hamilton) to discuss next steps. If you or a family member require medical help, let the health care facility know you might have measles in advance so proper precautions can be taken.

Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications from measles.