London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is advising that a second individual, possibly infected with measles, may have exposed community members to the virus at the times and locations listed below. The Health Unit is advising these people, and the broader community, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, as this list may not include all possible exposures.
Measles is spread through the air. Complications of measles can include pneumonia, ear infections, brain infections, other infections and in rare cases, death.
Individuals who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, who have been previously infected with measles, or who were born before 1970, are generally protected from infection.
Those considered to be at risk of measles infection are individuals born in 1970 or later who:
- have not received two doses of measles-containing vaccine;
- or, have not had a previous measles infection.
The Health Unit is advising those who are at risk for measles, and may have been exposed at the locations and times listed below, and who are still within 72 hours of their exposure, to receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) as soon as possible. This vaccine will help prevent measles infection.
Locations and times of possible exposure:
- McDonald’s
959 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario
Saturday, March 15 from 2:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Walmart, White Oaks Mall
1105 Wellington Rd. South, London, Ontario
Saturday, March 15 from 7:30 p.m. to after closing - Best Buy
1080 Wellington Rd, London, Ontario
Saturday, March 15 from 8:30 p.m. to after closing - Future Shop
1051 Wellington Rd, London, Ontario
Saturday, March 15 from 8:45 p.m. to after closing - SilverCity Theater, Masonville Place, anyone in the theater and particularly those attending the Need for Speed – 2D Movie
1680 Richmond Street, London, Ontario
Sunday, March 16 from 8:30 p.m. to closing - Value Village, South Location
4465 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario
- Monday, March 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Campus, Emergency Department
800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario
Tuesday, March 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Tim Hortons, Commissioners and Boler Road
1322 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario
Tuesday, March 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Health Unit is contacting individuals known to have been exposed to the virus at Victoria Campus, Emergency Department.
As a precaution, the community is being asked to watch for the signs and symptoms of measles and to follow the recommendations below when seeking health care should these develop.
Symptoms:
- Fever, cough and runny nose
- Red, irritated eyes and light sensitivity
- Small white, grey or blue spots in the mouth
- Red, blotchy rash, which is the last symptom to appear. The rash appears on the face and then spreads down over the body, and will begin to fade after about a week.
If you develop symptoms:
- Stay home and don't allow others to visit for at least four days after the rash starts
- Call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Contact your healthcare provider by phone. Please note: If you need to visit a healthcare provider, call first and tell them you have measles symptoms.
If you have general questions or questions about your vaccination status:
- Call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
More information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how itcan be prevented is available on the Health Unit’s website, www.healthunit.com.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health