York Region Public Health is warning the public about two measles exposures in Newmarket last week.
The potential exposures occurred at the Best Western Voyageur Place Hotel at 17565 Yonge St. in Newmarket from 2 p.m,. Jan. 31 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 1. Another exposure occurred at the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr. on Jan. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
If you were present at the above times and locations AND you were with an infant under six months of age, are pregnant or immunocompromised, call York Region Public Health immediately as you may be eligible for preventive treatment (1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
"Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission," York Region said in a news release. "The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death."
The case of measles is associated with a current outbreak in the Grand Erie Health Unit.
READ MORE: From Norfolk to Newmarket: How a measles outbreak is spreading.
If you believe you have been exposed to measles, you should complete a brief contact follow-up survey, confirm that you and your family members have had two doses of measles vaccine, and stay home if you develop systems, according to public health.
Symptoms of measles start between seven and 21 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, as well as a red rash that typically starts at the head and neck and then spreads down.
Even those up-to-date with a measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure, which would be until Feb. 22 if exposed at one of the Newmarket locations.
More information on measles can be found at york.ca/measles.