The Middlesex-London Health Unit is informing members of the community that there have been multiple exposures to confirmed cases of measles at both London Health Sciences Centre and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital this week.

Location and Time of Exposures

January 19, 2025

• Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Emergency Department, 9:10 pm – 11:10 pm

January 23, 2025

• Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Emergency Department, 3:45 pm – 8:15 pm

January 24/January 25, 2025 (overnight)

• Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department, Waiting Room, 8:30 pm - midnight
• Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department, 8:45 pm – 3:00 am

January 28, 2025

• Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department, Waiting Room: 10:00 am – 2:45 pm
• Children’s Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, 11:20 am – 3:30 pm

“Across the province, there has been an uptick in measles cases, largely paediatric. This has led to multiple exposures within health care settings as people seek care. If you or your child is sick with suspected measles and requires medical care – absolutely seek it. We ask, however, that you phone ahead so that staff can put precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread within the health care setting,” says Dr. Joanne Kearon, Associate Medical Officer of Health.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should follow these steps:

• Check your immunization record, and make sure you and your family members are up to date with the measles vaccination (noted as the “MMR” or “MMRV” on records). Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969.
• If you are unsure about your vaccination status, please check with your health care provider. In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles.
• Anyone who was exposed and is immunocompromised, not immune to the measles virus, OR who was accompanied by an unvaccinated infant should contact Middlesex-London Health Unit immediately to discuss post-exposure treatment to minimize risk. People who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of one, are at highest risk.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles can appear up until 21 days after exposure, and include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or a red rash lasting four to seven days.
• If you think you may have measles and need to see a health care provider, you must call the clinic or hospital before you go to inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.
• For additional information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, visit www.healthunit.com/measles