Hamilton Public Health investigating a confirmed case of measles

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health Services has received confirmation of a case of measles in a child, who resides in Hamilton. The illness was acquired during recent travel to India. The individual is currently isolating at home.

Hamilton Public Health Services has investigated, and is following up directly with known contacts in Hamilton who may have been exposed to the measles virus through this individual. Hamilton Public Health Services has also followed up with other appropriate jurisdictions regarding possible exposures outside of Hamilton.

Hamilton Public Health Services’ investigation has determined that members of the public at the following locations may have been exposed to the measles virus:

• Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight SV 61 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 5, 2024 at 9:40 am (local time in Jeddah) and landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on March 5, 2024 at 3:25 pm. (EST)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3 – March 5, 2024 between the hours of 3:25 pm and 8:30 pm.

Hamilton Public Health Services is not aware of any additional exposure locations in Hamilton at this time.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a respiratory virus. Measles spreads easily to those who are not 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 severe complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection and may include:

• High fever of 38.8°C (101°F) or greater
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Red, watery eyes
• Small white spots with white centres, known as Koplik’s spots, on the inside of the mouth and throat
• Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start

If you are concerned you have been exposed to someone with measles:

• Ensure you are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV).
• Monitor for symptoms of measles- even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations.

If symptoms develop:

• Do not attend work, school, childcare, or any other public places.
• Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up recommendations.
• Call your healthcare provider before going to see them to inform them that you may have been in contact with someone who has measles.
• If your healthcare provider is unavailable, please contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 365-324-1439 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
• If you reside outside of Hamilton, please contact your local Public Health Unit.

All members of the public should 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 are asked to check with their health care provider.

• Two doses are recommended for anyone born on January 1, 1970 or after. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• Individuals working at a health care facility (health care workers, staff, regular volunteers) and military personnel require documented evidence of vaccination with 2 valid doses of measles-containing vaccine or proof of immunity regardless of year of birth.