Measles Exposure in Ottawa: Current Ottawa Public Health Alert
Last updated: October 9, 2026.
Two Ottawa residents have confirmed measles infections after being exposed outside of Ontario, and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has named several public places they visited while infectious between October 1 and 3, 2026. Here is where and when, and what to do if you were there.
OPH is notifying people directly where it has contact information. This public notice is meant for everyone else who may have been exposed. At this time, OPH says the risk to the general population is low.
Where and When the Exposures Happened
| Location | Date and time | Watch for symptoms until |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Hortons, 3224 Hawthorne Road | October 1, 5:30 to 8 pm | October 22 |
| Your Independent Grocer, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard | October 2, 3:15 to 5:45 pm | October 23 |
| Rexall Drugstore, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard | October 2, 3:45 to 6 pm | October 23 |
| Metro Supermarket, 2261 Walkley Road | October 2, 4 to 6:15 pm | October 23 |
| Subway, 3190 Hawthorne Road | October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm | October 23 |
| McDonald’s, 1796 St. Laurent Boulevard | October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm | October 23 |
| Ruby’s Restaurant, 10 York Street | October 2, 6:30 to 9:30 pm | October 23 |
| Tim Hortons, 2800 Lancaster Road | October 3, 5:30 to 8 pm | October 24 |
OPH’s investigation is still open, and this list may change. For the latest version, check OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.
What to Do if You Were Exposed
1. Monitor yourself for 21 days
Keep an eye on your health for 21 days after the date you were at the location, whether or not you are vaccinated. Most people who get sick notice symptoms within 7 to 12 days.
Early measles symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes that can be sensitive to light
- Small white spots inside the mouth
A few days later, a red rash usually appears on the face and spreads down the body to the arms and legs. The rash tends to last 4 to 7 days, and the illness usually runs 1 to 2 weeks in total.
2. Phone before you visit any clinic or hospital
If symptoms develop, call your health care provider first and mention the possible measles exposure, so the clinic can plan your visit and keep other patients safe. Wear a medical-grade mask if you can. This applies to every medical setting, including emergency departments. Postpone any medical appointments that aren’t urgent.
If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, call Health811 at 8-1-1 or visit Health811 online. A registered nurse is available around the clock, free and confidentially, in English and French, with translation support in other languages.
3. Confirm you are protected
Look for MMR, MMRV or M on your vaccination record. These all mean a measles-containing vaccine.
- Ontario’s routine schedule gives children two doses by age 7: the first at 12 months and the second between ages 4 and 6.
- Adults born before 1970 most likely had measles as children and are generally considered immune.
- Anyone born in 1970 or later is considered fully protected from a known exposure after two doses of measles vaccine.
Not sure what you’ve had? Ask your health care provider to check your record.
Why Measles Spreads So Easily
Measles is one of the most contagious viral respiratory infections. The virus lives in the nose and throat and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and it can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Vaccination is the most effective protection for you and your family. Read more about the wider picture in Canada’s Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know.
Orleans Family Health Clinic will keep this page up to date as OPH releases new information.
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Disclaimer: 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 healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
