Case of measles detected at Galeries Joliette in Lanaudière

A woman with a red, spotty rash on her upper back and shoulders caused by measles.

The public health department of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Lanaudière states that it has recently detected a case of measles on its territory.

As of April 24, three cases of measles have been reported in the region.

People who have visited the following places are being asked to monitor their symptoms:

For a full list of exposure locations in Quebec, click here.

‘Highly contagious disease’

People most at risk of contracting measles are those born after 1970 who have not been vaccinated or who have not had the disease.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, more so than the flu or COVID-19, that spreads through small droplets of respiratory secretions that can remain suspended in the air.

“For unvaccinated individuals, spending time in a place where an infected person was present up to two hours earlier may be enough to contract the disease,” the CISSS states.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and general malaise.

“After these symptoms, a rash can appear first on the face, then on the body,” the CISSS said. “Measles can cause serious complications. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against this highly contagious disease.”

Anyone who would like to schedule a vaccination appointment or check their record can visit Clic-Santé or call the appointment centre at 1-855-755-3737.

If you think you may have been exposed to the measles, contact Info-Santé at 811 before making an appointment to get vaccinated.