Health officials warn of possible measles exposure in Brampton, Ont: Report

Health officials in Brampton, Ont., are warning that residents may have been exposed to measles between March 12 and 17.

A representative from Peel Public Health says the organization has confirmed that a child in Brampton has measles.

In a news release issued last week, the public health agency said the child had travelled ot a measles-endemic country before becoming ill.

“Members of the public may have been exposed to measles in a number of settings in Brampton during the period of March 12 – 17, 2016,” the news release says.

Anyone who visited the following locations during the following times may have been exposed:

• March 12, Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Temple, 32 Regan Road, Brampton, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• March 12, Walmart Brampton South Supercentre, 15 Resolution Drive, Brampton, 2 – 6 p.m.

• March 12, Shoppers World Brampton, 499 Main Street South, Brampton, 3 – 7 p.m.

• March 14, Dr. Anis Fatima’s office, Shoppers World Medical Centre & Walk-In Clinic, 499 Main Street South, Brampton, 5:30 – 9 p.m.

• March 16, Dr. Anis Fatima’s office, Shoppers World Medical Centre & Walk-In Clinic, 499 Main Street South, Brampton, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• March 16, William Osler Health Centre, Brampton Civic Site, Emergency Department, 2100 Bovaird Drive East, Brampton, 6:50 p.m. – midnight

• March 17, William Osler Health Centre, Brampton Civic Site, Emergency Department, 2100 Bovaird Drive East, Brampton, midnight – 11:35 a.m.

Public health officials say that the virus, which is a highly contagious disease that is easily spread to those who are not immune, can only live on surfaces for up to two hours so those who visited the above locations at other times are not at risk of exposure.

If you were present at any of the locations during the previously mentioned times, Peel Public Health asks that you check your immunization records to make sure you and your children’s measles vaccinations are up to date.

People are also asked to watch out for symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eye and small spots with a white centre on the inside of the mouth. Another symptom of measles is a red rash lasting four to seven days.

“Peel Public Health is working with the health care settings to identify and follow up with anyone who visited the above locations during the times listed and may be at risk. Anyone who shows symptoms should call their health care provider immediately and tell them they have been exposed to measles and feel unwell,” the public health statement suggests.

“Do not go to any medical facility without telling them before the appointment that you have been in contact with someone who has measles.”

Agencies/Canadajournal