The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) now has visiting restrictions in place at the Women and Children's Unit because of a recent rise in measles cases across Chatham-Kent.
CKHA said visiting restrictions at the Women and Children’s Unit will be in place until further notice out of an abundance of caution.
1. The following restrictions are in effect:
- Only two designated parent/caregiver/adult support people are allowed to visit. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
- All parent/caregivers will be screened before entering and disclose - measles immunity or wear an N95 mask at all times. Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
- If a parent/caregiver/adult support person develops symptoms such as a fever, cough or rash, we ask that they not come to the hospital or return home if these develop while here.
- The designated parent/caregiver/adult support people should stay by the patient’s side, only leaving the room when necessary.
2. For non-stress test (NST) and RhoGam injection appointments, the following visitor restrictions are in place:
- One support person may accompany you to your appointment if they feel well and don’t have symptoms such as a fever, cough or rash. If they develop these symptoms while accompanying you, they will be asked to return home until they’re feeling better.
- If you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to measles over the past 21 days, please call your physician or midwife before arriving.
"CKHA and local public health officials are actively monitoring the situation and working to prevent further transmission," said CKHA in a news release Wednesday morning. "Public cooperation is essential in managing the spread of measles and protecting our community."
A Measles Information Centre has also opened at the Chatham hospital to offer guidance to those who have been exposed to the measles virus and are not fully vaccinated.
People who have been exposed to the measles virus and are not fully vaccinated can call CKHA at 519-352-6400 for further directions about visiting the Measles Information Centre. CKHA noted visits to the Measles Information Centre must be pre-scheduled and appointments must be set up ahead of time to prevent further spread.
People considered immune to measles include the following:
- were born before 1970
- have had a measles infection in the past
- have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine
CKHA is asking those who are pregnant or immunocompromised and have been exposed to the measles virus to contact their Family Physician/Nurse Practitioner (preferred) or the Measles Information Centre for further instructions.
You should contact your Family Physician/Nurse Practitioner or CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext: 5902 for guidance if you or your child have not been exposed to the measles virus and would like to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine, first or second dose, will be available at the Chatham-Kent Seasonal Care Clinic located outside of the Chatham hospital Emergency Department starting on March 13 for those who do not have a Family Physician/Nurse Practitioner.
Those attending the clinic for an MMR vaccine must register at the desk in the Emergency Department and will be seen on a walk-in basis. Health cards and yellow immunization cards are required.
The clinic operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last registration taking place at 4 p.m.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chatham-Kent Public Health reported a new measles exposure at the Blenheim Golden Eagles Gymnastics Club located at 245 Marlborough Street North in Blenheim. Public health officials said it happened on March 6, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
If you were present during this time and are not up-to date with your vaccinations, please call CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext: 5902.
It's the latest measles exposure in CK. On Tuesday, the health unit reported six new exposure sites on top of the others previously reported.
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles and need to visit a healthcare provider, emergency department or walk-in clinic, call first and tell them you have had an exposure and measles symptoms.
Click here for more information about the measles.