Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health has received confirmation of two more cases of measles along with additional public exposures related to the ongoing outbreak in southwestern Ontario. 

Public Health is working to identify people who may have been exposed. Based on the information available, the public may have been exposed on Friday March 21, 2025, at the following places and times:   

• Pharmasave Campus - 170 University Avenue West, Waterloo, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

• Shoppers Drug Mart - 50 Weber St North, Waterloo, 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.    

The public is urged to check the Region of Waterloo measles exposures webpage for information and ongoing updates. Public Health will post future updates on the exposure website and its social media channels.   

Anyone who may have been exposed at the locations indicated 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.  

Follow Region of Waterloo Public Health for ongoing updates about potential exposures:   

• X: @ROWPublicHealth  

• Instagram: @ROWPublicHealth  

• Facebook: Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services   

-30-