Three Kingston locations were identified as potential exposure sites in a measles advisory issued earlier this week.
Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is advising residents of potential measles exposure linked to three Kingston locations between Feb. 9 and Feb. 13: GoodLife Fitness (64 Barrack St.), Metro (310 Barrie St.), and Queen’s University’s Kingston Hall (103 Stuart St.). The advisory follows confirmation of a local case.
Those present at GoodLife on Feb. 9 from 8 to 11 p.m., at Kingston Hall on Feb. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or at Metro on Feb. 13 from 4:45 to 7 p.m. are encouraged to confirm their immunization status and watch for symptoms for up to 21 days after the potential exposure, according to a notice issued Feb. 24.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through airborne droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. A person with measles can spread the virus four days before a rash appears and remains contagious until four days after the rash develops. Because the virus can remain suspended in the air for a period of time, transmission can occur even without direct contact.
Symptoms typically develop between seven and 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash generally appears several days later, beginning on the face and spreading downward across the body.
Although many recover without complications, measles can lead to more serious outcomes, such as encephalitis (brain swelling), especially in vulnerable patients such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.
In an e-mail circulated to Queen’s staff and students on Feb. 23, SEPH described guidance based on vaccination status. Individuals born before 1970, those who have received two valid doses of a measles-containing vaccine such as MMR or MMRV, or those with laboratory-confirmed past infection are considered immune and may continue attending work and school. Those who have received only one dose are advised to book a second dose and may be required to isolate in some settings until March 4. Individuals born in 1970 or later who haven’t been immunized are required to self-isolate and contact public health officials.
The Kingston advisory occurs amid a nationwide increase in measles cases. Federal data as of Feb. 23 reports 254 confirmed cases across Canada in 2026, with 62 new measles cases from Feb. 8 to 14. Ontario declared a measles outbreak last October after more than 2,300 cases and the death of a newborn who contracted the virus before birth.
In Kingston, the current situation remains limited to a confirmed case and identified exposure sites. SEPH continues to provide updates and encourages anyone with questions to contact its Kingston office directly. For now, the focus remains on monitoring and prevention as the 21-day incubation window continues.
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Kingston, measles, public health, Student health, Vaccination
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