Ontario is experiencing a measles outbreak.
If you were present during a known measles exposure and are NOT up-to-date with your vaccinations, please call CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext 5900.
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.
Measles Exposure Self-AssessmentTo begin the assessment, please click the button
Measles Exposure Locations in Chatham-Kent
The following locations have been identified as potential measles exposure sites within the community. If you were present at any of the following locations during the specified timeframes, you may have been exposed to measles.
As new measles cases are confirmed, this chart will be updated regularly. Information may change as new exposures are identified and current exposures become outdated. Locations will be added or removed as case details evolve.
Please note that this list includes only known measles exposure locations, and there may be other sites that have not yet been identified.
| Exposure Site | Address | Exposure Date | Exposure Timeframe |
| Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Back Hallway Behind Emergency Department | 80 Grand Ave W., Chatham | May 19th, 2025 | 4:15 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Emergency Department | 80 Grand Ave W., Chatham | April 30th, 2025 | 2:15 PM - 6:30 PM |
| Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Emergency Department | 80 Grand Ave., W., Chatham | April 29th, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
| Exposure Site | Address | Exposure Date | Exposure Timeframe |
| Exposure Site | Address | Exposure Date | Exposure Timeframe |
| Chatham Chrysler | 351 Richmond St., Chatham | May 16th, 2025 | 2:55 PM - 5:00 PM |
| St Clair College Chatham Campus - Main Building | 1001 Grand Ave., W., Chatham | May 5th, 2025 | 10:45 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | 485 Grand Ave., W., Chatham | May 4th, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 3:10 PM |
| Walmart Chatham | 881 St Clair St., Chatham | May 4th, 2025 | 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Union Block Bakery | 413 St George St., Dresden | May 3rd, 2025 | 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Walmart Chatham | 881 St Clair St., Chatham | May 2nd, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection (an illness caused by a virus) that spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, countertop and shared objects) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. It can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly transmissible in shared spaces.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, and brain damage. While rare, it can be fatal.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Check or update your immunization record to ensure you and your family are up to date with vaccinations.
What To Do If You Were Exposed to Measles
You are generally protected from measles if:
- You have received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV)
- If you were born before 1970, you are generally considered protected due to likely exposure to the virus during childhood.
- If you have had measles in the past, you are also considered protected.
As a precautionary measure, it is still important to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
If you are not protected from measles—for example, if you were born in 1970 or later and have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection—follow these steps:
Ensure that you and your family are up to date on measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). If you're unsure about your vaccination status, check your immunization records or contact your healthcare provider. If you’ve been exposed and are not protected, get vaccinated as soon as possible. The measles vaccine can help prevent infection if administered within 72 hours of exposure.
Measles symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Stay alert for:
- Fever
- Runny nose, cough, red eyes
- A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
- Koplik spots (small blue-white spots inside the mouth)
If you suspect that you have measles, self-isolate immediately by staying at home and avoiding contact with others.
If you are not vaccinated or protected, avoid contact with others, especially:
- Infants under 12 months of age
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
This precaution should be followed for 21 days after your last exposure to help prevent the spread of measles.
Anyone with measles should stay away from daycare, school, work and other public spaces for at least 4 days after the appearance of the rash. This is crucial in limiting exposure to the virus and protecting those around you.
If you think you have measles or have been exposed, call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic, hospital or any other healthcare setting. Inform them of your symptoms and possible measles exposure to prevent the spread of the virus.
When attending any healthcare setting, wear a medical-grade mask to help protect others.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. If your healthcare provider is unavailable, please contact the CK Public Health Infectious Disease team at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902.
Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Small, blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3 to 7 days after early symptoms begin. It starts on the face before spreading downward to the rest of the body, including the arms and legs. The rash lasts for several days before fading.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including:
- Ear infections
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can cause seizures, brain damage, or death
- Pregnancy risks: Measles during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and miscarriage
If you develop symptoms of measles:
- Stay at home and self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus.
- Call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility. This helps prevent the spread of measles to others and allows health care providers to prepare for your visit.
Do not visit a healthcare facility or office without calling ahead first.
Measles is diagnosed through laboratory tests. To confirm the diagnosis, a healthcare provider will collect a sample, which may include:
- Swabs from your nose or throat
- A blood test
- A urine test
There is no specific treatment for measles, but medications can help relieve symptoms and manage any complications. Most people with measles recover at home, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
A healthcare provider will likely:
- Recommend medications to reduce fever
- Advise you to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest
If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Measles vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus and prevent infection.
Prevention & Vaccine Eligibility
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide nearly 100% protection against infection.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
- The Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule recommends two doses of a measles-containing vaccine:
- First dose: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12 months of age. About 85-95% of children develop long-lasting protection from this dose.
- Second dose: MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine at 4 to 6 years of age (preferably closer to age 4). After the second dose, nearly 100% of children develop immunity to measles.
- Those born before 1970 are generally considered protected due to past exposure.
- Those born in or after 1970:
- If you have only received one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, a second dose is recommended.
- If you are unsure of your vaccination status, speak with your healthcare provider about getting at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Health care workers, childcare and school staff, post-secondary students, military personnel, and those traveling outside of Canada should ensure they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or have proof of immunity.
- Infants under 12 months: Routine vaccination is not recommended before 12 months. However, if traveling to an area where measles is circulating, an early dose of the MMR vaccine may be considered for infants 6-11 months old. This dose does not replace the routine two-dose series.
- Pregnant individuals: The measles vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, check your vaccination records and speak with a health care provider.
- People with weakened immune systems: Consult a health care provider, as you may not be eligible for measles-containing vaccines.
Ensure your immunization records are up to date. In Ontario, parents/guardians are responsible for reporting their child's vaccinations to CK Public Health.
If you are unsure about your vaccination history or need to update your immunization records, contact your health care provider or CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902
Reporting to CK Public Health
- Parents/guardians are responsible for reporting their child’s vaccinations to CK Public Health.
- Physicians and health care professionals are not required to report vaccinations to CK Public Health.
- Suspected or confirmed cases of measles must be reported to CK Public Health immediately. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting.
- To report a case, call 519-352-7270 ext. 5902 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).
- After hours, on weekends, or holidays, call 519-352-1234.
Measles is highly contagious. Early reporting allows CK Public Health to take quick action, including:
- Providing guidance on testing and isolation requirements.
- Conducting contact tracing to prevent further spread, especially to vulnerable individuals.
- Gathering important case details such as immunization history, symptoms, date of onset, exposure risks, and recent travel.
- If you are assessing a patient with suspected measles, contact CK Public Health right away, do not wait for lab confirmation.
- For more information, call CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air. It can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The infection typically lasts about two weeks and can cause complications like pneumonia and encephalitis being possible. In rare cases, measles can be fatal.
Measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and even talking. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. A person with measles can spread it to others from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads. White spots may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
If you think you have measles, stay home and avoid contact with others. Call your healthcare provider before visiting and inform them about your symptoms. They may arrange for testing to confirm the diagnosis. Public health will also need to be notified.
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Ensure that you and your children are up to date on vaccinations. In Ontario, the first dose is given at 12 months and the second at 4-6 years of age.
If you're not protected (i.e., not vaccinated or not immune), you may be given the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles. Pregnant individuals, those with weakened immune systems, and infants under six months of age may require additional treatment. Contact CK Public Health if you’ve been exposed.
Measles is diagnosed through laboratory tests, including a throat or nose swab, blood tests, or urine samples. If you think you have measles, call your healthcare provider to arrange for testing.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Care is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids, but some may need hospitalization if complications arise.
Yes, the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Most people experience no adverse reactions, though mild side effects like fever or a rash may occur. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Individuals who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine or who have never had measles are at risk. High-risk groups include infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. If you are unsure about your immunization status, check your records or talk to your healthcare provider.
