Brampton baby tests positive for measles

Public health officials in Peel Region say an infantfrom Brampton has tested positive for the measles and warn that people who visited one of several facilities in the past week and a half may have been exposed to the virus.

• Interactive: Measles: What you need to know

Anyone who was present atone of the following places during the specified times may have come into contact with the measles:

Thursday,March 27

• Muslim Community Services (third floor) and all common areas in the building at 150 Central Pkwy., Brampton,8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Monday, March 31

• King's Cross Walk-In Clinic, 17 Kings Cross Rd., Brampton,3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1

• King's Cross Walk-In Clinic, 17 Kings Cross Rd., Brampton,6 p.m. to8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2

• MCI Medical Clinic,Bramalea City Centre, 25 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton,2:30 p.m. to7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 3

• Brampton Civic Hospital (emergency department), 2100 Bovaird Dr., Brampton,5 p.m. to3 a.m. on April 4

People who have received two doses of a measles vaccine, or who have been infected with the virus before, are not at risk.

If you suspect youre sick with the measles, officials said, you should contact your health-care provider immediately. But they warnyou should call ahead before arriving at adoctors office or walk-in clinic, so staff can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading.

For more information, contact Peel Public Health at905-799-7700. The phone line will be open onSaturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.to answer your calls.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of the measles can appear within 21 days after exposure.A bad cough, runny nose, fever, sensitivity to light and red-watery eyes are ailmentscommonly associated with a case of the measles.

About four days after infection, a rash starts at the face and moves down the body. White spots may appear inside the mouth.

The virus spreadseasily to people who arent immune. Infants under oneyear of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get particularly ill.

Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, croup and brain inflammation.

Ontariooutbreaks

The Brampton baby's case comes amid a spate of measles infections across southern Ontario.

• Related: 11 confirmed measles cases in Ontario this year, officials say
• Related: Cityweeks away from declaring Hamiltonmeasles outbreak over

At least 11other people in Ontariohave been infected with the virus since the beginning of the year.

Recent cases includethree the Hamilton area, two in London and one each in the Toronto andWaterloo regions.