Last updated: October 9, 2026.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating confirmed measles infections in two Ottawa residents who were exposed to measles outside of Ontario. If you visited one of the locations below between October 1 and 3, 2026, during the listed times, you may have been exposed.
OPH is contacting people directly where it can. This alert is for anyone it could not reach, or whose contact information was missing or incomplete. The risk to the general population remains low.
Possible Exposure Locations
Monitor for symptoms until the date shown for each location.
- Tim Hortons, 3224 Hawthorne Road: October 1, 5:30 to 8 pm. Monitor until October 22.
- Your Independent Grocer, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard: October 2, 3:15 to 5:45 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- Rexall Drugstore, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard: October 2, 3:45 to 6 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- Metro Supermarket, 2261 Walkley Road: October 2, 4 to 6:15 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- Subway, 3190 Hawthorne Road: October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- McDonald’s, 1796 St. Laurent Boulevard: October 2, 5:30 to 8 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- Ruby’s Restaurant, 10 York Street: October 2, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Monitor until October 23.
- Tim Hortons, 2800 Lancaster Road: October 3, 5:30 to 8 pm. Monitor until October 24.
The investigation is ongoing, so locations, dates and times may be added, changed or removed. OPH posts the current list at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.
If You Were at One of These Locations
Watch for symptoms for 21 days
Watch for symptoms for 21 days from the date you were there, even if you are vaccinated. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 12 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Look for:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- White spots in the mouth
- Red, watery eyes that may be sensitive to light
- A red rash a few days later, starting on the face and spreading down to the arms and legs
The rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and the illness generally lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
If symptoms start, call ahead
Call your health care provider before you go in and tell them you may have been exposed to measles. This lets the clinic prepare and protect other patients. Wear a medical-grade mask to the appointment if you can, including at an emergency department, and put off any non-urgent medical appointments.
No health care provider? Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811 to speak with a registered nurse for free, 24/7, in English or French, with translation support for other languages.
Check Your Measles Vaccination Records
Measles vaccine usually appears on records as MMR, MMRV or M.
- Most children in Ontario get two doses by age 7: one at 12 months and one between ages 4 and 6.
- People born before 1970 likely had measles as children and are generally considered immune.
- People born in 1970 or later are considered fully protected from a known exposure if they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
If you can’t find your records or aren’t sure of your status, ask your health care provider. You can also ask our pharmacists about the vaccines we offer.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. The virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person and spreads through the air when they breathe, cough or sneeze. It can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family.
For background on how measles has spread in Ontario, see Measles Cases Rise in Ontario: What You Need to Know.
Stay Connected with Centrum Pharmacy!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest health tips, pharmacy updates, and wellness advice.
Come for the Convenience, Stay for the Service.
Caring for Your Family Since 1999
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.
