Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the first lab-confirmed case of measles in Ottawa since 2011.
Officials say the unimmunized child acquired the illness during a trip to the Philippines and attends St. Stephen Catholic School in Stittsville.
OPH says it is working with the school and school board to notify potentially exposed children and staff.
The child was also at the locations listed below and staff are currently contacting people who may have been exposed:
- Feb. 25, 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Med-Team Clinic, 103-99 Kakulu Road
- Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Active Care Clinic, 1108 Klondike Road
- Feb. 28,12 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.: CHEO emergency department
The measles virus is transmitted by airborne droplets or direct contact with an infected person, according to OPH. It can also lead to “ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.”
Symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiny white spots in mouth
- Red, blotchy rash on the face then body, arms and legs.
If you think you may have been exposed or develop any symptoms, you are encouraged to contact the OPH information line at 613-580-6744 and a nurse will be in contact. You can also visit Ottawa.ca/health.
The last case of measles reported in Ottawa was in February 2011 and was also travel-related.
