MLHU confirms measles cases in London

The Middlesex London Health Unit has officially confirmed that there are measles cases now in London. They say they are currently investigating the cases, saying that they believe they contracted the infection from traveling. 

The MLHU is alerting the community that they may have been exposed to measles in various settings across London between March 3 to March 8.

The places and times that the public could have been exposed include:

-Sunday, March 3

• 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM: True Taco restaurant at the Western Fair District Market, 900 King St.

-Monday, March 4

• 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Fanshawe College Wellness and Fitness Centre, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.

• 1:00 PM: Bus route 4 or 104 to downtown campus
• 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Fanshawe Downtown campus, 130 Dundas St.
• 5:20 PM: Bus route 20 leaving downtown
• 8:15 PM – 10:15 PM: Hi Yogurt Downtown London, 189 Dundas St., Unit B

-Tuesday, March 5

• 8:35 AM: Bus route 104 to downtown
• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Fanshawe Downtown campus, 130 Dundas St.
• 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: London Public Library, Central Branch, 251 Dundas St.

-Wednesday, March 6

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mr. Choco Bubble Tea, 670 First St.

-Thursday, March 8

• 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic at Fanshawe College, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.

The MLHU is now urging Londoners to keep an eye out for symptoms of the virus, with cases expected to rise.

“In terms of typical symptoms, you start off with a fever, feeling generally unwell and a cough,” says Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, Joanne Kearon. 

“Then after several days of that, you’ll develop this full-body rash, which is the typical rash of measles. For most people, it would resolve, but it could progress to heart and lung problems, pneumonia, and even death.”

The MLHU says that two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles.

“What we’re asking people to do is to check their vaccination record, you can do that through your healthcare provider, and if there’s any concerns about whether or not you’re up to date, follow-up with your healthcare provider and get vaccinated if you need to be.”

Symptoms for the virus included a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or a red rash lasting four to seven days.

For additional information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, visit www.healthunit.com/measles.