Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating two additional cases of measles. The new cases, in an unimmunized child and an immunized adult, were contacts of a previous measles case. Cases such as these are not unexpected as measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease where virtually all those who are not immune and come into contact with the virus will become infected. There have been four confirmed measles cases in Ottawa since March 5.

People who were present at the following locations and times were potentially exposed to the measles virus and OPH advises these individuals to contact their health care provider if they are unsure about their immunization status:

March 18, 2014, 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Businesses at 411 Legget Drive

March 18, 2014, 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: Subway Restaurant, 700 March Road

March 20, 2014, 6 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.: Shoppers Drug Mart, 1300 Stittsville Main Street

March 21, 2014, 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue

March 21, 2014,11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m : Quizno’s Restaurant, 4048 Carling Avenue

March 21, 2014, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Businesses at 411 Legget Drive

OPH asks those who were present at the locations and times listed above to contact OPH at 613-580-6744 if you:

Are unimmunized;

Have a weakened immune system;

Are pregnant or;

Work in the health care or child care sector;

Had a child under age 1 with you when you visited one of the above locations.

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 believe that you have measles, you should isolate yourself by staying home and avoid all contact with unimmunized persons. Call before visiting your doctor so they can take precautions to protect other patients.

The measles virus is transmitted by airborne droplets or direct contact with an infected person. Measles is more severe in adults and infants than in children and can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death. We strongly encourage all residents to consider vaccination as a way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If you are unsure of your vaccination status or that of your children, please discuss this with your health care provider. For more information about measles or immunization, you can also visit our website or call OPH’s information line at 613-580-6744 to speak with a nurse.

For information and health tips, connect with us on Twitter @OttawaHealth. For additional information on measles and immunization, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656).

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