York Region confirms 260 exposed to measles at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital in August
Approximately 260 people may have been exposed during two separate days in August. York Region Public Health says one confirmed measles case was in the region in May.
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York Region Public Health has confirmed that approximately 260 people were potentially exposed to measles at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital across two separate days in August.
The exposure occurred on August 17 between 8:40 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. in the emergency waiting room, and from 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. in the emergency room ambulatory care. A second exposure window occurred on August 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the emergency waiting room and 11:10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in ambulatory care.
As HighOnCity reported, a confirmed measles case in York Region was linked to visits during both August windows. According to York Region Public Health, there was one confirmed case of measles in York Region in May 2026.
Measles is highly contagious—the virus can survive in air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that develops three to seven days into illness.
Anyone at the hospital during those time windows should verify they have received two doses of measles vaccine. York Region Public Health is asking potentially exposed people to complete a follow-up survey on its website to determine individual risk. Those exposed on August 17 should watch for symptoms through September 7; those exposed on August 21 should monitor until September 11.
This response comes after HighOnCity raised questions about the initial exposure warning. Scott Cholewa, Manager of Infectious Diseases Control at York Region Public Health, provided the figures.
The facts
How many people were exposed to measles at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital?
Approximately 260 people were potentially exposed to measles at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital across two separate days in August.
When did the measles exposures occur at the hospital?
Exposures occurred on August 17, 2026 (8:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. in the emergency waiting room and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. in ambulatory care) and on August 21, 2026 (10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the emergency waiting room and 11:10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in ambulatory care).
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that develops three to seven days into illness.
How long should people exposed on each date monitor for symptoms?
Those exposed on August 17, 2026 should watch for symptoms through September 7, 2026; those exposed on August 21, 2026 should monitor until September 11, 2026.
