These two new cases of measles mark the first time in 2019 that the highly contagious virus has spread from one person to someone else.

According to Montreal’s public health authority between May 11, 12 and 14, as many as 200 people may have been exposed to a person contaminated by measles.

Public health is trying to track down anyone who was in one of six places, most of them in Montreal’s West Island.

• Des Sources high school, 2900 Lake Street, on May 11 between 12:00 and 1:05 p.m.
• Tim Hortons, 3760 Sources Boulevard, on May 11, between 12:25 and 13:35 p.m.
• Royal Bank, 4400 Sources Boulevard, on May 11, between 12:15 and 13:25 p.m.
• Manju Beauté, a beauty salon, 3637 Sources Boulevard, on May 11, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• The Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 7000 Place Robert-Joncas in Saint-Laurent, on May 12 between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Les Aventuriers daycare at 196 Bates Road, in Outremont, on May 14 between 4:30 and 5:35 p.m.

According to the CBC, a girl contracted measles from a relative who caught the virus while travelling abroad. The girl was put in isolation, but she transmitted the virus to her health care worker who had been vaccinated for the measles, but the vaccination wasn’t effective.

Public health is asking anyone who might have been in one of six places, most of them in Montreal’s West Island, to verify if they have been vaccinated and if that vaccination was sufficient.

Anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus and is not protected is advised to call the INFO-SANTÉ line at 811.

You are considered protected against measles if:

• You have already had a diagnosis of measles confirmed by a doctor;
• You have been vaccinated (eg MMR vaccine, MMR): Your year of birth and the number of required vaccines necessary to be considered protected against measles.
  • 1980 or after 2 doses of vaccine
  • Between 1970 and 1979 1 dose of vaccine
  • Before 1970 No dose of vaccine is needed.
• If you are not considered protected or are unsure. Get vaccinated against measles at the CLSC or at your doctor’s office. This vaccine is free, safe and very effective.
• Until June 14, 2019:
  • avoid contact with people at risk of measles complications (see below) if possible;
  • watch for the signs of the disease.

The following people are at risk for complications:

• Children under one year of age;
• Pregnant women who have not received 2 doses of vaccine and have never had the disease;
• People who have an immune system weakened by disease or treatment.
• If you or a family member is at risk for complications:
• CALL HEALTHCARE at 8-1-1 to be directed to a health facility that will evaluate the need for preventive treatment.

Monitor the onset of measles symptoms up until June 14, 2019

• Measles Symptoms
  • High fever
  • AND
  • Coughing, runny nose or red and watery eyes
  • AND
  • Two to four days later: redness that appears on the face, spreads all over the body and last at least 3 days.
• If you develop these symptoms
  • Stay at home at the first signs of measles, do not wait for the appearance of redness;
  • Avoid contact with people at risk of complications (see above);
  • If you develop redness, consult a doctor;
  • Advise the person who greets you that you think you have measles, ask for a mask and wear it.
• Measles information
  • Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that travels through the air through droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The first symptoms of measles are:
  • high fever;
  • runny nose;
  • cough;
  • conjunctivitis (red eyes);
  • general malaise.
  • Subsequently, redness appears in the face and then on the body.
  • It can take from 7 to 14 (exceptionally up to 21 days) days between exposure to the measles virus and the onset of symptoms. This is called the incubation period. A person begins to be contagious 4 days before the appearance of redness, and it can remain contagious up to 4 days after their appearance. Measles lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

Importance of vaccination

The Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal (DRSP) recalls that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles. All people who have never received the measles vaccine or who have never had the disease should also be vaccinated. This is the best way to protect yourself and others.

More information:

• Advice and Prevention – Measles