Measles outbreak declared in Vaughan, 4 cases confirmed

A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins

Public health officials in York Region have declared a measles outbreak in Vaughan after recording four confirmed cases of the virus.

Dr. Cheryl Young, the associate medical officer of health in York Region, said in a statement that the first case linked to the outbreak was acquired internationally.

“Beyond this, to protect the privacy of the cases, we cannot comment on how the cases are linked,” Young said.

In a news release, York Region Public Health advised of a possible measles exposure at Becker’s Convenience Store at 7241 Bathurst St., just south of Clark Avenue.

Officials said those who were at the store on Sept. 2 between 2:45 and 5:15 p.m. may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus and urged them to immediately confirm they have two doses of the vaccine.

They are urging anyone who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms for 21 days until Sept. 23.

The health unit noted that the outbreak is not related to another one currently declared in Southwestern Ontario.

Measles spreads through the air and symptoms start to show seven to 21 days after exposure. They include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes such as pink eye, and a red rash that typically starts on the head and neck.

York Region Public Health is offering measles vaccination appointments at the following clinics:

• Sept. 4: 9060 Jane St., Vaughan
• Sept. 5 and Sept. 12: 4261 Highway 7, Unionville
• Sept. 9: 17150 Yonge St., Newmarket
• Sept. 10: 50 High Tech Rd., Richmond Hill

As of Sept. 2, there have been 2,376 cases of measles in Ontario this year, most of which are linked to the Southwestern Ontario outbreak.