Hamilton public health says possible measles exposures at Costco, Service Ontario

Hamilton public health says it's investigating two cases of measles, in an infant and adult, and is warning residents they may have been unknowingly exposed to the virus. 

The two patients contracted the virus through travel, said public health in a news release Tuesday. 

The agency is now notifying those they came into direct contact with as well as members of the public who went to the following places in Hamilton: 

• Service Ontario, 411 Charlton Ave. W., Unit 5, July 7  from 1 to 3:30 p.m. 

• Costco-Ancaster, 100 Legend Ct., July 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. 

• Upper Gage Clinic and Gage Pharmacy, 1050 Upper Gage Ave., Unit 3, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Ellen Fairclough Building in Service Ontario as well as the main lobby, elevators and fourth floor, 119 King St. W. from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days after, public health said. Symptoms include a high fever of 38.8 C or greater, red blotchy rash, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, drowsiness, irritability and/or small white spots with white centres on the inside of the mouth and throat.

People who develop symptoms are advised to stay home and contact a health-care provider over the phone before going in person. 

"Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications," said Dr. Bart Harvey, Hamilton's associate medical officer of health. 

"Vaccination against measles is highly effective and we can combat the spread of measles through vaccination, education, and vigilant public health measures."