Confirmed case of measles in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health has received confirmation of a local case of measles related to the ongoing outbreak in southwestern Ontario.

“Today, we are reporting the first case of measles in Waterloo Region since 2019,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo Public Health. “Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily among those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination remains the most effective way to limit the spread and protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”  

Public Health is working to identify persons who may have been exposed. Based on the information available, the public may have been exposed at the following places and times: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 4:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at 51 Benton Street, Kitchener

Anyone who may have been exposed at the above location should follow these steps:

• Contact your local public health unit immediately if you fall into one of the following categories.
• Immunocompromised people
• Pregnant people
• Anyone (child or adult) born in or after 1970 who is unvaccinated or has only received one dose of measles vaccine

Public Health will help determine your eligibility for post-exposure measures. Waterloo Region residents should call 519-575-4400.

• Check your vaccination record. The measles vaccine is typically noted as “MMR”, “MMRV” or “M” on records. People who have been exposed to measles should confirm if they meet the following requirements for immunity:
• People born before 1970 likely had measles in the past and are generally considered immune.
• People born in or after 1970 are considered fully protected from a known exposure to measles if they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
• Most children receive two doses of measles vaccine by age seven based on the current routine vaccine schedule in Ontario. 
• Some people born in or after 1970 may have only received one dose of measles vaccine as part of their routine vaccine schedule.
• Check with your health care provider if you are unsure about your vaccination status.

• Watch for symptoms of measles. These can appear up to 21 days after exposure but usually occur within 7-12 days. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, white spots in the mouth, and red watery eyes that may be sensitive to light. A few days after symptoms begin, a red rash usually develops that starts on the face and spreads down the body.

• Use the measles exposure self-assessment tool on Public Health’s website, www.regionofwaterloo.ca/measles

• If you think you have measles symptoms, call your health care provider before you go for in-person care. This allows health care staff to take the necessary precautions to protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.

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

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