Health unit warns public of measles exposure after 1 adult case confirmed in London

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is alerting the public about possible measles exposures at various sites throughoutLondonearlier this week, after health officials confirmed anadult acquiredthe disease while travelling abroad.

London's vaccination rate is relatively high, hovering between 85 to 90 per cent, saidassociate medical officer of healthDr. Joanne Kearon. The rate is "still a bit lower than before COVID, but still quite strong."

But there is achance of secondary cases of people who may have been infected due to exposure to this person, she said.

Community members may have been exposed at the following locations:

Sunday, March 3

• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: True Taco restaurant at the Western Fair District Market, 900 King St.

Monday, March 4

• 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.:Fanshawe College Wellness and Fitness Centre at1001 FanshaweCollege Blvd.
• 1 p.m.: Bus Route 4 or 104 to downtown campus
• 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Fanshawe Downtown campus at130 Dundas St.
• 5:20 p.m.: Bus Route 20 leaving downtown
• 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.:Hi Yogurt Downtown London at 189 Dundas St., Unit B

Tuesday, March 5

• 8:35 a.m.:Bus Route 104 to downtown
• 9a.m. to 2 p.m.:Fanshawe Downtown campus at130 Dundas St.
• 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.:London Public Library, Central Branch at 251 Dundas St.

Wednesday, March 6

• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Mr. Choco Bubble Tea at670 First St.

Thursday, March 8

• 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.:Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic at Fanshawe College, 1001 FanshaweCollege Blvd.

Check vaccine records, says doctor

Kearonadvises anyone who could've been exposed to check their immunization records and make sure they're up to date with two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella(MMR) vaccine.

Symptoms can appear within two to three weeks after exposure,Kearon said, adding they could be vague at the beginning and feel similar to cold-like symptoms, includingcoughing, a runny nose, fever and sensitivity to light.

After several days, patientsdevelop a red rash that can last up to a week, she said.

"Measles is airborne and incredibly infectious," she said. "There's not a lot of protection you can take ahead of time other than to get vaccinated.

"Even if you're not exposed to this case, check your records."

Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1970. Those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles, according to theMiddlesex-London Health Unit.

Anyone who is unsure about their vaccination status is urged to check with their health careprovider.

Anyone who has been exposed should contact their local public health unit immediately if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, including children younger than one year old.