Measles in Waterloo Region

Region of Waterloo Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of an imported case of measles in an unimmunized student. The illness was acquired during recent travel to Europe.        

The student infected with measles currently resides in another jurisdiction, but attends school at the University of Waterloo.  It has been determined that the case attended a Psychology class (Section 292) and a Grand River Transit city bus (route from King Street to University Avenue) in Waterloo on February 25^th between the hours of 10 am - 11 am, during the infectious period.

Cases resulting from exposure to this student would have demonstrated symptoms by March 18^th. Any persons exposed to this case, who have not developed symptoms by March 18^th, are not expected to develop measles.

The risk to the immunized public is very low. Waterloo Region has good immunization rates and students in the Region are highly immunized against measles.  Region of Waterloo Public Health annually fulfils the Immunization of School Pupils Act in the public and separate elementary and secondary schools, thereby helping to ensure high coverage rates for diseases like measles.  

Measles is a highly contagious infection and cases can spread the illness before they become symptomatic. Immunization is the best defence. Immunization against measles is virtually 100% effective in preventing the infection. 

Immunization protects against measles at home and while travelling. Measles is common in some parts of the world and its incidence has increased in countries where immunization rates have dropped. Canada has also experienced an increase in travel related importation of measles in four provinces, including Ontario.

Symptoms of measles include the onset of cough, runny nose, and fever, white spots in the mouth and red watery eyes that are sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed in two to four days, by high fever and red rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body. 

Media contact: Candace Harrington, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, 519-501-7598, CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca