Ottawa Measles Exposure Alert: Travel-Linked Cases and How to Protect Yourself

Last updated: October 9, 2026.
Measles has again reached Ottawa through travel. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating confirmed infections in two Ottawa residents who were exposed to measles outside of Ontario, and has released a list of local places they visited.

OPH is reaching people directly where possible. This notice is for anyone who may have been exposed but couldn’t be contacted. The risk to the general population remains low.

Exposure Locations, Dates and Monitoring Periods

If you were at any of these places during the times shown, monitor for symptoms until the date listed.

• October 1, 5:30 to 8 pm: Tim Hortons, 3224 Hawthorne Road (monitor until October 22)
• October 2, 3:15 to 5:45 pm: Your Independent Grocer, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard (monitor until October 23)
• October 2, 3:45 to 6 pm: Rexall Drugstore, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard (monitor until October 23)
• October 2, 4 to 6:15 pm: Metro Supermarket, 2261 Walkley Road (monitor until October 23)
• October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm: Subway, 3190 Hawthorne Road (monitor until October 23)
• October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm: McDonald’s, 1796 St. Laurent Boulevard (monitor until October 23)
• October 2, 6:30 to 9:30 pm: Ruby’s Restaurant, 10 York Street (monitor until October 23)
• October 3, 5:30 to 8 pm: Tim Hortons, 2800 Lancaster Road (monitor until October 24)

OPH may add, change or remove locations as its investigation continues. The official, current list is at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.

Steps to Take if You Were Exposed

Watch for symptoms for 21 days from your exposure date, even if you’re vaccinated. Symptoms most often start 7 to 12 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days later:

• High fever
• Cough and runny nose
• White spots in the mouth
• Red, watery eyes that may be light-sensitive
• A red rash, a few days after the first symptoms, that begins on the face and moves down to the arms and legs

The rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and symptoms generally last 1 to 2 weeks.

If you feel unwell, call before you go. Contact your health care provider, tell them about the possible exposure, and wear a medical-grade mask to the visit if you can. The same applies to any medical facility, including emergency departments. Hold off on non-urgent medical appointments.

If you don’t have a health care provider, call 8-1-1 or use Health811 for free, confidential advice from a registered nurse, 24/7, in English and French, with translation support for other languages.

Check Your MMR Status, Especially Before You Travel

These cases are a reminder that measles is still circulating in many parts of the world and can come home with travellers. Measles vaccine is listed on records as MMR, MMRV or M.

• In Ontario, most children receive two doses by age 7: one at 12 months and one between ages 4 and 6.
• People born before 1970 likely had measles in the past and are generally considered immune.
• People born in 1970 or later are considered fully protected from a known exposure once they’ve had two doses.

Unsure about your doses, or planning a trip? See our measles vaccination service or ask your health care provider to review your record.

How Measles Spreads

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. The virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person, travels through the air with breathing, coughing and sneezing, and can survive in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Vaccination is the most effective protection for you and your family. To learn why measles is more than a childhood rash, read Measles Isn’t Just a Rash.

OPH may add, change or remove locations as its investigation continues. The official, current list is at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer