Important notice: Potential exposure to chickenpox at the Montreal Children’s Hospital

If you/your child were present in the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) on January 24 and/or January 25, you may have been exposed to chickenpox (varicella). A patient who was in the same area during this time has since been diagnosed with the virus.

Chickenpox is a vaccine-preventable contagious illness that causes an itchy rash characterized by red spots and/or blisters. Other symptoms can include fever, decreased appetite, headache, cough and sore throat. 

You/your child are protected against varicella if:  

1. You/your child had chickenpox before 2006 or herpes zoster (shingles) at any time or 
2. You/your child received two doses of the vaccine against varicella. 

If you/your child meet either one of the above criteria, no further action is needed on your part. 

If you/your child are not immune, you/your child may develop chickenpox 10 to 21 days after having been exposed to the virus. We recommend that, between February 1 and February 15, you/your child and anyone who accompanied you: 

• Observe for any of the symptoms listed above, 
• Inform healthcare providers before medical appointments that you may have been exposed to chickenpox, 
• Inform your daycare provider or school that you may have been exposed to chickenpox, 
• Avoid contact with individuals who are at risk of developing severe disease: 
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems, 
  • Pregnant women. 

If you/your child or someone who accompanied you to the hospital is pregnant and/or has a weakened immune system and is not considered immune to chickenpox, please contact your doctor. 

Please visit quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/chickenpox   

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact your family doctor or call Info-Santé at 8-1-1.