Windsor health unit confirms 2 new measles exposure points after confirmed measles case
Ontario has seen a sharp uptick in cases of measles in recent weeks
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) says lab tests confirm a person who attends Cornerstone Christian Academy in the community of Ruthven has the measles.
After the initial announcement Wednesday morning, the health unit has narrowed its exposure window to between Feb. 21 and Feb. 24, instead of Feb. 28.
The health unit has also identified two new points of exposure: Windsor Regional Hospital's Met Campus main entrance, elevators and third floor pediatric hallway on Sunday, March 2 between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the TMC Kingsville walk-in/urgent care centre at 273 Main St. East in Kingsville, on March 1 between 9:20 and 12:15 p.m.
For people possibly exposed at the Met campus, Windsor Regional Hospital says any inpatient, at-risk people who may have been exposed will be contacted directly.
Anyone who requires emergent medical attention and believes they may have symptoms of measles due to a recent exposure or because they are not vaccinated for measles, should:
- Call the hospital at 519-254-5577 and dial 0 for the switchboard and "ask to speak with the Emergency Department that you are planning to go to."
- People should wear a well-fitted mask prior to entry or ask security for a mask.
- People who have an appointment at the hospital who believe they may have been exposed to measles and are unvaccinated should call 519-254-5577 and ask to speak with the department that you are scheduled to attend prior to your appointment day and time.
Patients who may have been exposed at the Kingsville walk-in clinic on the date and times specified are asked to contact the health unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 for assessment and guidance.
Families of students who attend Cornerstone Christian Academy are required to contact the health unit on Wednesday and isolate the students.
"The health unit is working closely in collaboration with school administration to identify potential exposures and provide guidance to school personnel and families," WECHU said in a statement issued around 10 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, local medical officer of health, said he's "concerned" about the case but it was "a matter of time" for it to find its way here among groups that are unvaccinated.
Roughly 200 cases have been reported across southwestern Ontario over the past several weeks, according to Aloosh.
"We've been in touch with our school and hospitals last night about any required action for those who have been exposed to receive post exposure prophylactics," Aloosh told Amy Dodge, host of CBC Radio's Windsor Morning.
"That's how we follow this outbreak. We will do case-contact management today."
Aloosh said possible additional exposures are being investigated.
"We are also looking into other potential exposure sites in Windsor and Essex County and we'll let our community know about that investigation."
Ontario has seen a sharp uptick in cases of measles in recent weeks, so much so that health officials are calling it the largest outbreak in the province in the past 30 years.
"It was not that much of a surprise seeing the trends," said Aloosh. "You know that the disease is coming. It's not whether they're coming — it's about when they're coming to our region."
WECHU has issued a letter to families with children attending school, referring to an "increase" in measles activity in the area. It's entitled "Stay Safe this March Break."
Aloosh said that until more recently, cases have typically been linked to international travel. However, that now includes local travel too.
"Travel puts you at risk. Anyone who has not had measles or has not been completely vaccinated against measles can become sick."
According to Aloosh, the primary reason for the uptick in cases is the world being behind in vaccinating children for different diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Infants under 12 months old, children, pregnant people and people with a weakened immune system who have not been vaccinated against measles are at greater risk, according to the health unit.
The virus is considered a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. It spreads easily in the air when someone who is infected coughs, talks or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can persist in a closed space for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread by direct contact with mucus or saliva — from kissing or sharing food or drinks.
Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to an infected person. They 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 other symptoms. The rash then progresses across the body.
WECHU said the best way to stop the spread of an active case of measles is by staying home in isolation.
Vaccines are also strongly recommended. In Ontario, two doses of measles vaccine are routinely given to children who are one, and between four and six years old.
The health unit said it's important to ensure immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally and even domestically.
The measles vaccine is free and offers roughly 95 per cent protection, according to Aloosh.
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