Hamilton Public Health investigating a confirmed case of measles

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health Services is investigating exposures locally related to one confirmed case of measles in a Hamilton child. Measles is a highly contagious infection of the lungs (respiratory illness) that spreads easily to those who are not fully vaccinated against measles or who have not previously had measles. Infants under one year of age, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications. 

Hamilton Public Health Services has notified and is following up directly with identified contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus. Exposure to the measles virus may have occurred at the following locations, dates, as indicated: 

• Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School (181 Belmont Ave, Hamilton, ON L8L 7M5)
  • Tuesday, February 4 to Friday February 7, 2025, from 9 am to 6:10 pm on each of those days.
• McMaster Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5)
  • February 10, 2025, from 11:59 am to 12:29 pm.
  • All patients/families that were exposed during this period have been contacted.

Anyone who has been notified by Public Health that they have been exposed to the measles virus should:   

• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure – even if they are up to date with their measles vaccinations. Measles symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:
  • High fever of 38.8 C (101 F) or greater
  • Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes 
• Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• If you were born after 1970 and have not 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.
• For any measles exposure that occurs in a school or childcare setting, Hamilton Public Health Services will exclude students and childcare attendees identified as exposed to the measles virus who do not have up to date records with Public Health. Those students or childcare attendees with no doses of a measles vaccine will be excluded from school or childcare for 21 days following the exposure.
• Identified contacts of measles virus who are students or childcare attendees with one dose of measles vaccine will be excluded until they receive a second dose of a measles vaccine. They should contact their healthcare provider about receiving a second dose, and notify the clinic in advance that they have been identified as a contact of measles.
• Contact your healthcare provider by phone to discuss your symptoms. Before attending a healthcare setting including a clinic or hospital - you must notify the facility that you have been in contact with someone who has measles so that appropriate precautions can be put into place before you enter.
• If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 905 540-5250 option 4 to speak with a Public Health Nurse to discuss follow-up recommendations. 
• If you reside outside of Hamilton, please contact your local Public Health Unit.

If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and do not attend work, school, childcare, or any other public spaces. You should also take the following steps:

• Contact your healthcare provider by phone to discuss your symptoms. Before attending a healthcare setting including a clinic or hospital - you must notify the facility that you have been in contact with someone who has measles so that appropriate precautions can be put into place before you enter.
• If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 905 540-5250 option 4 to speak with a Public Health Nurse to discuss follow-up recommendations. 
• If you reside outside of Hamilton, please contact your local Public Health Unit.

All residents of Hamilton should ensure that you and your child are up to date with vaccines including measles containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV). Parents are responsible for submitting vaccination records to Public Health. In the case of a measles case in a school or childcare setting, up to date vaccination records ensures important protection from measles, as well as minimizes disruption and potential exclusion from school or childcare.

To report your child’s vaccines, please visit www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/vaccines-immunizations/reporting-vaccinations.

“Measles is a serious, vaccine preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications” said Dr. Brendan Lew, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Vaccination against measles is highly effective and we can combat the spread of measles through vaccination, education, and vigilant public health measures. It is strongly recommended you and your family are up to date with appropriate measles vaccination and that you report your child’s vaccines to Public Health.”