Thousands at Risk After Infectious Disease Outbreak at Montreal Canadiens Game Last Week

Public health authorities said that there has been one case of measles linked to the Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre on March 3.

An individual exposed others during the game by attending it when he or she was contagious, a public health notice issued Monday said.

Those in the red seats of sections 111 to 117, and Tim Hortons and Pizza Pizza staff inside the arena, may have been exposed to the virus. But 'Santé Montreal' warns that exposure could have been more extensive than that.

Anyone who was at the game should monitor for symptoms until March 24. The symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, nasal congestion, red eyes, sensitivity to light, and rash.

Measles is an extremely contagious illness and spreads three to four days prior to the onset of rash and two to four days thereafter. It averages one to two weeks.

Public health authorities are asking all individuals who would be most likely to have been exposed to this virus to check their vaccination status. Those who are not immune to measles should either get vaccinated or get a shot of antibodies as soon as possible.

If you think you have measles, stay home and call 'Info-Santé' in the Quebec region at 811 for guidance. If you need health care, call your clinic or hospital ahead of time.

If you do leave the house and you have symptoms, health authorities are requesting all individuals in that situation to wear a mask, and as soon as you get to the hospital or clinic, inform staff right away about symptoms.

Symptom awareness and precautions can prevent further transmission of the virus.