Were you at Vaughan Mills on March 20th? You may have been exposed to measles

According to public health units in York Region and Toronto, buyers and employees at Vaughan Mills Mall on March 20 may have been exposed to measles.

An adult with a confirmed case of highly contagious disease, who had contracted it while visiting another country, was at the mall that day between 4 pm and 10:30 pm .

Everyone who went to the mall at 1 Bbad Pro Mills Dr., southeast of Hwy. 400 and Rutherford Road, meanwhile, should check their vaccination cards or talk to their health care provider to confirm that they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, called MMR or MMR, or for their own immunization. ensure that they have had measles confirmed in the laboratory. infection or blood tests showing immunity to measles.

Meanwhile, anyone at the mall having no confirmed protection against measles should monitor the symptoms until April 10th. Residents of York Region may also call the Public Health Department at 1-877-464-9675 Monday to Friday from 8:30 am at 4:30 pm or outside those hours at 905-953-6478.

Symptoms can appear between seven and 18 days after contact with an infected person and can start with a cough, a runny nose, fever, red and watery eyes and small spots with a white center at the center. inside the mouth. A reddish, macular rash appears from the third to the seventh day, starting at the hairline and extending along the body up to the arms and legs, said York Public Health.

Measles is spread easily from one person to another by droplets from the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. These droplets spread by speaking, coughing or sneezing. Although less common, the virus can also spread through contact with objects such as freshly soiled tissues through nose and throat discharge.

Babies under one year old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can become very sick when they catch measles.

"We know that measles continues to circulate regularly in communities," Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health of Toronto, said in a statement. "As a result, we know that the time has come to remind residents to check their vaccination status, as many people have recently traveled abroad for the March break.

"Our usual practice is to contact people who may have been exposed in public places, but if you are concerned that you or someone in your family may have been exposed to measles, talk to them. in to your health care provider. "