Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has been informed that Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGL) are investigating three related cases of measles in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals who have not received all of their required measles vaccines. The health units are working closely with local health care providers, hospitals, and the province to contact individuals and families who may have been exposed to the infectious cases.
The risk of contracting measles in Renfrew County and District is low for those who have been vaccinated; however, given that measles is highly contagious, it is very important that you ensure your measles immunization is up-to-date. Please remember to report to public health every time your child is vaccinated.
Measles is a virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The infection is more severe in adults and infants than in children and can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.
It is possible that members of the public were exposed to measles at the times and places listed below. People who have not previously had measles or have not been fully vaccinated, and who might have been exposed in these areas are asked to:
• Watch for any signs and symptoms of measles
• Avoid contact with individuals who are at high risk for complications of measles (infants less than 12 months of age, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems) for 21 days after exposure date
Possible exposure locations and dates/times:
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa
• Emergency Room: August 22, 2016, 2 p.m. to August 23, 2016, 2:30 a.m.
• Inpatient Ward 4 East:
o August 23, 2016, 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
o August 25, 2016, 8 a.m. to August 28, 2016, 8 p.m.
The Ottawa Hospital (General Campus), 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa
• Emergency Room: August 23, 2016, noon to August 24, 2016, 1 a.m.
• Module G: August 26, 2016, 9 a.m. to noon
Carleton Place Hospital, 211 Lake Avenue East, Carleton Place
• September 1, 2016,8:30 a.m. to noon
Carlingwood Shopping Centre, 2121 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
• August 31, 2016, 1 to 6 p.m.
Kanata Superstore, 760 Eagleson Road, Kanata
• August 31, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Lone Star Restaurant, 4048 Carling Ave, Kanata
• August 31, 2016 at 5 to 8 p.m.
If you were present at the locations and times listed above, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit recommends contacting our Health Info Line at 613-735-8866 or 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 666.
Symptoms of measles:
Early symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, and tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
If you think that you or a family member has measles, contact a health care provider immediately. Be sure to call ahead to let the health care provider know that you are coming and suspect that you may have measles.
For more information about measles or immunization, you can also visit www.rcdhu.com or call the Renfrew County and District Health Unit Health Info Line at 613-735-8666 or 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 666 to speak with a nurse.
