Eight new measles exposures have been reported by Chatham-Kent Public Health.
CK Public Health wants you to call the public health unit at 519-352-7270 ext: 5902 if you were present at the following places during the stated times below and are not up-to date with your vaccinations.
1. John D. Bradley Centre (565 Richmond St., Chatham)
March 8, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. Gregory Drive Alliance Church (255 Gregory Drive W., Chatham)
March 9, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
3. Emmanuel Baptist Church (100 McNaughton Ave., W., Chatham)
March 9, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
4. McDonald’s Restaurant (411 St Clair St., Chatham)
March 10, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
March 11, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
March 13, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Wallaceburg Site Emergency Department (325 Margaret Ave., Wallaceburg)
March 11, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
6. YMCA (101 Courthouse Lane, Chatham)
March 10, 2025 from 8:55 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
In his measles update to the CK Board of Health at its monthly meeting on Monday afternoon, CK Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said currently there are 18 reported measles cases in Chatham-Kent and he expects more to be reported in the days and weeks to come.
"The focus is not the numbers, it's already here and we expect to have more cases in the next few weeks. The case counts are likely to be under-reported because there are people who don't go to the hospital, don't get tested, and don't go to clinicians," said Dr. Nesathurai.
Dr. Nesathurai added one person infected with the measles can spread it to 12-18 others.
Nesathurai noted measles can affect other immunity in the body and for some has life long complications.
Normally, the first dose of the measles vaccine is given at one years old and the second between four and six years of age. However, Nesathurai said measles vaccines can begin as early as six months of age and he's asking local physicians to assess the risk of their young patients and vaccinate early if warranted.
"I'm more concerned about children at age six months to a year at any vaccine. Early on in life they get protection from their mother, but as time goes on they lose that protection," the doctor said.
Measles symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. A red rash appears on the face three to seven days after the start of the symptoms. The rash may start from the face and progress down the body.
"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," said CK Public Health in a news release on Monday afternoon.
Dr. Nesathurai said of the 16,000 school pupils in Chatham-Kent, all but 100 have reported their vaccination status to CK Public Health through the Immunization of School Pupils Act, adding that 95 per cent of young people at age 17 are up-to-date on their measles vaccine.
"It is important to note that the majority of individuals are vaccinated against measles, providing them with protection against the disease. As such, the risk of contracting measles remains small to the broader community. However, as a precautionary measure, we urge all individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations," public health officials said.
Dr. Nesathurai noted the incubation period for the measles is 21 days and those who are not vaccinated should stay home and avoid high-risk settings and people.
Click here for previous measles exposures reported by CK Public Health.