St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is working with Hamilton Public Health and Hamilton Health Sciences to combat the spread of measles in our community. There is an ongoing outbreak of measles in southwestern Ontario that poses a threat to public health.   

Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection. More than 90 per cent of people exposed to the virus who are not vaccinated or immune will become infected as a result. The measles virus remains in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, meaning a sick person doesn’t have to be in the room to infect others. Estimates show that in high-income countries like Canada, one out of 10,000 people infected with measles will die. One in 1,000 will experience dangerous brain swelling that could cause permanent damage. Measles can also cause blindness and deafness. There are a large number of individuals in the current measles outbreak that have required hospitalization.  

Symptoms of measles 

• High fever  
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Rash that develops three to seven days after symptoms start – typically starting on the face and then progressing down to the body.  

Prevention 

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against measles, preventing spread and outbreaks in the community. The measles vaccine has been well-studied and is safe and effective. 

Public Health recommends that all Hamilton residents ensure their vaccinations are up to date, including measles containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV). For more information, click here. 

Guidance for potential exposure 

If Public Health has notified you, or you believe you’ve been exposed to the measles virus: 

• Check the Public Health Ontario website here for current settings where people have been exposed. 
• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure, even if you are up to date with your measles vaccinations. Measles symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after infection. 
• Check your immunization record to confirm your family is up to date.  
• If you were born after 1970, have had an exposure and haven't received two doses of measles containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV) you must avoid contact with infants under one year of age, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people and any high-risk settings including healthcare, childcare and school settings. 
• People without immunization or who may not mount an appropriate response to immunization may benefit from treatments post exposure. For more information, click here.  

Guidance for symptoms 

If you develop measles symptoms: 

• Stay home and self-isolate. 
• Contact your healthcare provider by phone to discuss your symptoms.  
  • Unable to reach your healthcare provider? Book a virtual urgent care appointment or contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-546-2063 to speak with a Public Health Nurse. 
• Residents outside Hamilton should reach out to their local Public Health Unit. 
• Unless in an emergency, contact your healthcare provider before coming in person so the appropriate precautions can be taken.  

Guidance for hospital visits 

If you suspect you have measles and need to visit the hospital: 

• For clinic appointment: Call your clinic before coming for the appointment. 
• For ambulance arrivals: Inform paramedics immediately. 
• For emergency department visits: Send a vaccinated adult ahead to notify the registration staff that someone who may have measles is coming in  
• Consider a virtual urgent care appointment: For medical issues that are NOT life threatening, but require urgent medical attention* 

Helpful Links 

• Measles: Hamilton Public Health 
• Measles: Ontario Public Health 
• Measles Exposures: Ontario Public Health 
• Measles: Government of Canada 
• Virtual Urgent Care 

* If you are in severe distress, call 911 and do not drive yourself to the hospital. If you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms worsen while you’re waiting for a virtual appointment, visit your nearest emergency department or urgent care centre in person.