Measles Exposure at Vaughan Hospital & Toronto Bus Routes

Measles Exposure at Vaughan Hospital & Toronto Bus Routes

March 4, 2026 Nkechi Okonkwo- Health Editor Health

York Region Public Health is alerting residents to potential measles exposure following a confirmed case in an individual who recently travelled internationally. Exposure sites include the emergency department at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and several York Region Transit (YRT) routes. Public health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to confirm their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

Exposure Locations and Timelines

The confirmed case, who is not a York Region resident, attended multiple locations even as contagious. Specific details regarding the individual’s travel history and the country where the infection was contracted remain unclear. York Region had reported zero cases of measles in 2026 prior to this incident. Here’s a breakdown of the exposure sites and the corresponding dates and times, as outlined by York Region Public Health:

  • Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital Emergency Department (3200 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Vaughan): Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. To 6:10 p.m. Individuals who were present during this time should monitor for symptoms until Saturday, March 21, 2026. Mackenzie Health is providing information and potential access to a post-exposure vaccine clinic for those exposed at the hospital.
  • York Region Transit Route 16 – 16th Avenue (servicing Richmond Hill and Markham): Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • York Region Transit Route 25 – Major Mackenzie (servicing Richmond Hill and Markham): Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • York Region Transit Route 16 – 16th Avenue (servicing Richmond Hill and Markham): Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • York Region Transit Route 16 – 16th Avenue (servicing Richmond Hill and Markham): Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Thursday, March 19, 2026.
  • York Region Transit Route 90B – Leslie (servicing Richmond Hill, Markham and Toronto): Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:30 a.m. To 2:30 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Friday, March 20, 2026.

Understanding Measles and its Transmission

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Complications from measles can be serious, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.

The virus is so contagious that 90% of people who are not immune will become infected if exposed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive information on measles, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Vaccination: The Primary Defense

The most effective way to protect against measles is through vaccination. Public health officials recommend that individuals confirm they and their family members have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine.

York Region Public Health offers community immunization clinics for school-aged children to catch up on missed immunizations. Appointments can be booked through the York Region Public Health community immunization webpage. It’s important to note that one dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective, while two doses are about 97% effective.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed

If you believe you may have been exposed at any of the listed locations, York Region Public Health advises you to:

  • Confirm your and your family’s vaccination status.
  • Monitor for symptoms of measles for the specified timeframe related to each exposure site.
  • Contact York Region Public Health on their Access York line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280 or visit york.ca/MeaslesReporting to complete a contact follow-up survey.

Individuals who were exposed at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital may be contacted directly by York Region Public Health regarding eligibility for a post-exposure vaccine clinic.

Public Health Surveillance and Response

This incident highlights the importance of ongoing public health surveillance for infectious diseases. York Region Public Health is actively investigating the case and tracing potential contacts to prevent further spread. The fact that York Region had no confirmed measles cases in 2026 before this underscores the effectiveness of vaccination programs, but as well the risk of importation from areas with ongoing transmission.

Public health responses to measles cases typically involve contact tracing, vaccination of susceptible individuals, and public awareness campaigns. The duration of the monitoring period (21 days after exposure) is based on the incubation period of the measles virus, which is the time between infection and the onset of symptoms.

Looking Ahead: Continued Vigilance

As international travel resumes and global measles outbreaks continue in some regions, the risk of imported cases remains. Continued vigilance, high vaccination rates, and prompt public health responses are crucial to protecting communities from this highly contagious disease. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about measles and to consult with their healthcare providers if they have any concerns.