Ottawa Public Health Issues Measles Exposure Alert

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has identified two new confirmed cases of measles among local residents, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in 2025 to twelve. The new cases are linked to previously reported infections, and OPH continues to investigate potential exposure sites.

While the overall risk to the general population remains low, OPH is alerting residents who may have been exposed but could not be contacted directly. The agency is urging anyone who visited specific Ottawa locations during the listed times to monitor their health for signs of measles.

Possible Exposure Locations:

• IKEA (2685 Iris St.) – October 18, 11:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

• Real Canadian Superstore (190 Richmond Rd.) – October 18, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; October 22, 4–7:30 p.m.; October 23, 4:55–7:30 p.m.

• Food Basics (667 Kirkwood Ave.) – October 18, noon–2:15 p.m.

• Shoppers Drug Mart (1309 Carling Ave.) – October 22, 5:45–8 p.m.

Residents who were at these locations are asked to monitor for symptoms until mid-November, depending on the date of exposure. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes before a rash develops. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, alert them about possible exposure, and wear a medical-grade mask when attending appointments.

Vaccination Remains the Best Protection Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. It is preventable through vaccination, most commonly listed as MMR or MMRV in health records.

• Children in Ontario usually receive two doses by age seven.

• Those born before 1970 are generally considered immune.

• Individuals born in or after 1970 should ensure they have received both doses.

Anyone uncertain about their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles for more information.

The investigation is ongoing, and new exposure sites may be added as more information becomes available. Updates will continue to be shared on OPH’s website and through its social media channels.

For residents seeking up-to-date public health information, OPH encourages signing up for the City’s weekly news round-up for timely updates and links to important community health announcements.