Hamilton Public Health and Brant County Health Unit investigating exposures to confirmed case of measles

Hamilton Public Health Services and Brant County Health Unit are investigating exposures in Hamilton and Brantford related to a confirmed case of measles.

Public Health is reaching out to all known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus at several locations including McMaster Children’s Hospital emergency department – Hamilton Health Sciences 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton on February 24, 2024 from approximately 6:51 a.m. to 2:09 p.m.

• Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) sites, including McMaster Children’s Hospital, are safe places for care.
• We have screening measures to identify and care for patients who may have been exposed to measles when they come to our emergency departments and in other clinical areas.
  • Anyone with a fever or cold symptoms or rash should wear a mask when entering the hospital.
  • Individuals at risk or those suspected of having measles may be asked to wear a mask and separated from other patients.
  • Anyone coming to the emergency department or an appointment will be asked about their measles vaccination status.

• Patients should continue to attend their scheduled appointments at our sites. However, if you think you may have measles or been exposed, please contact your HHS care team before your appointment or scheduled procedure or test.
• All individuals that think they may have been exposed to measles should call Public Health Services at 905-546-2489 as soon as possible to speak with a public health nurse.
• More information about measles, how to identify symptoms and risk factors, can be found on the City of Hamilton’s website.

Hamilton Public Health Services release – https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/news-notices/news-releases/hamilton-public-health-investigating-contacts-confirmed

Brant County Health Unit release – https://bchu.org/brant-county-health-unit-confirms-measles-case-in-brantford-brant-resident/

What is measles? Learn about symptoms and prevention from our health care experts at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Measles FAQ for essential caregivers & patients with appointments (PDF)