Hamilton Public Health Warns of Measles Exposure at Costco, Service Ontario and Local Clinics
Hamilton Public Health has issued a public health alert following two newly confirmed cases of measles in the city. Both cases are from the same household and are reported to be travel-related. With these new cases, Hamilton has now recorded a total of four measles infections in 2025.
According to officials, individuals may have been exposed to the virus at multiple high-traffic locations on July 7 and July 9. The warning comes amid a wider measles resurgence across Ontario, where over 2,200 cases have been confirmed so far this year—many concentrated in southwestern parts of the province.
The following locations and timeframes have been identified as potential exposure sites:
Service Ontario – 411 Charlton Avenue West, Unit 5
Date: July 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Costco – 100 Legend Court, Ancaster
Date: July 7, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Upper Gage Clinic and Gage Pharmacy – 1050 Upper Gage Avenue, Unit 3
Date: July 9, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ellen Fairclough Building – Service Ontario, 119 King Street West
Date: July 9, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Public Health officials are urging anyone who visited these locations during the listed timeframes to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after the potential exposure.
⸻
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
• High fever
• Cough and runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the body
• Small white spots with bluish centers inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any clinic or hospital to prevent further transmission. Individuals who are not immunized or unsure of their vaccination status are particularly at risk.
⸻
Rising Provincial Numbers and Vaccination Urgency
The rise in measles cases is part of a broader provincial and national trend. Ontario’s case count continues to grow, with many linked to international travel or under-vaccinated communities. Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is safe and highly effective.
Hamilton residents are encouraged to review their vaccination records and ensure all doses are up to date, especially before traveling or attending large public gatherings.
More information and updates are available through Hamilton Public Health and the City of Hamilton’s official communication channels.
