Measles is very contagious - hospitals have tight rules - pay attention to them

By Staff

April 2nd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The McMaster Children’s Hospital set out the rules for people who think they might have measles.

Here is the drill – pay attention.

Measles is very contagious and is easily spread in the air. If you or your child has measles symptoms or is at the hospital for measles testing, you and your child will be put in a room by yourself with controlled airflow or with a special machine called a HEPA Filter. This is to prevent the spread of measles and protect other people. We are working very hard to stop the spread of measles. 

Before your visit

If you are coming to the hospital and you think your child has measles or has been around another person with measles, you must contact us first:

• If you or your child has a Clinic appointment, call your clinic before coming for the appointment. 
• You and/or your child may need to be tested for measles.  We will also prepare a space for your appointment.  

• If you come by ambulance, tell the paramedics.
• If you come to the Emergency Department on your own, a vaccinated adult should enter the hospital ALONE to tell the registration staff that someone who may have measles is coming in. 

 – or –

Call us before you come.  We will meet you outside the doors and bring you to a room.
Call 905-521-5020 and tell them that you or your child might have measles

During your visit

• You and your child must stay in your room with the door closed.
• Some rooms need a HEPA filter. This is called airborne isolation.  
• If you need to go out for tests or the bathroom, the staff will help you with this. 
• Everyone entering the room will wear gowns, gloves, masks and eye protection.
• We may need to limit the number of visitors.

Leaving the hospital

• We will help you exit the hospital through the shortest and safest route. Please wait until we can help you. 
• We will have a space for you to sit if you are waiting for a ride. Do not sit in the waiting areas or come back in the hospital to wait. 
• After you leave the hospital, DO NOT come back into the hospital, café, cafeteria or pharmacy unless you need emergency care. 
• If you need to come back in, call (905)521-5020. 

Ut sounds a little draconian – there are good reasons for being so strict.

While we haven’t heard anything from Joseph Brant Hospital – they will (at least we hope so be just as strict.-