The Durham Region Health Department is investigating three confirmed cases of measles in one household in Durham Region, as of March 8, 2026. All three cases involve children who were not vaccinated against the virus. Health officials are now tracing anyone who might have come into contact with the family to stop the illness from spreading further.
Officials have identified public locations where people may have been exposed to the virus. Anyone who was at the Ritson North Medical urgent care clinic at 1288 Ritson Road North in Oshawa on March 4, 2026, between 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., or during previously identified exposure windows on February 26 and March 2, should check their medical records. A potential exposure was also identified at the Lakeridge Health Oshawa emergency department waiting room on March 2. The measles virus is highly contagious and can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room.
Symptoms of measles usually include a high fever, cough, and a red rash that typically appear between 7 and 21 days after a person is exposed. Residents who were at the exposure sites during those times are asked to watch for these signs. If you think you have symptoms, health officials say you should call your doctor or a clinic before going in person to make sure you do not spread the virus to others in the waiting room.
Regional Chair John Henry and local health staff are encouraging families to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date. This investigation began with one case on March 6, 2026, and grew to three cases within the same home just two days later. Checking your family’s medical records is the best way to protect the community from the virus.
