Waterloo Region Public Health holding vaccine clinic after potential measles exposure during concert

The new public health building in the Region of Waterloo on Oct. 2, 2024. (Dan Lauckner/CTV News)

Waterloo Region Public Health is hosting a special vaccine clinic after officials warned that concertgoers may have been exposed to a highly infectious virus.

Anyone who was at the Bachman-Turner Overdrive concert at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on April 24 may have been exposed to measles.

The disease is considered to be highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.

People who were at the concert should watch for symptoms until at least May 16.

Public health has set up a measles vaccination clinic for those who worked or attended the concert and were not fully immunized.

The clinic will be held on April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Appointments are not required, but anyone taking part is asked to bring their immunization record, if possible.

Symptoms to watch out for

Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat and a red blotchy rash.

Other complications can include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can lead to brain inflammation and death.

Anyone who suspects they may have measles is encouraged to stay home and avoid contact with others. If seeking medical treatment, call your health provider ahead of time so they can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading to others.