The Halton Region Health Department says it’s investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles in an adult living in Burlington.

It says members of the public in Burlington, Oakville, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Toronto may have been exposed to measles at five locations between Dec. 13 and Dec. 17.

The locations include:

Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington on Syscon Road

  • Dec. 13 to Dec. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Dec. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Longos on Wyecroft Road in Oakville

  • Dec. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Dec. 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cogeco on Syscon Road in Burlington

  • Dec. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Outlet Collection at Niagara on Taylor Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Dec. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Amsterdam Brewhouse on Queens Quay West in Toronto

  • Dec. 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“We know that this individual was in Burlington and Halton Region for some time along with various other places,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s medical officer of health. “It is a busy time of year so as one can expect there was some travel involved to the Niagara area as well as Toronto.”

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air to those who are susceptible.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated in the past or those who have not had measles in the past are at risk of infection.

“Adults 18 years of age or older, born in or after 1970, require one dose of the measles vaccine,” the regional health department wrote in a news release.

“Children 12 months to less than 18 years of age, health care workers, and adults attending post-secondary institutions are all required to have two doses. Those born before 1970 are generally considered immune.”

Meghani said pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk.

“Unfortunately measles is still in this world. We have not eliminated measles,” she said. So it is important for people to remain vigilant in terms of their immunization and make sure that they, their children, their families are adequately immunized against measles as well as other diseases where we have very safe and effective vaccines available.”

The Halton Region Health Department is advising people who believe they may have been exposed to check their immunization records or symptoms of the disease, which include high fever, cold-like symptoms, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, and a red rash lasting four to seven days.

If you believe you may have been infected, the regional health department urges people to contact their health care provider or visit a walk-in clinic or hospital emergency room.