The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is advising that an individual with probable measles (awaiting lab confirmation) may have exposed community members to the virus at the times and locations listed below.

The Health Unit is advising these people, and the broader community, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, as this list may not include all possible exposures.

Public Health Unit officials say measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air, close or direct contact with respiratory secretions, as well as through articles of clothing/bedding with infectious discharge present.

Complications of measles can include infections of the ear or brain, and in rare cases, death.

Individuals who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, or who have been previously infected with measles, or were born before 1970, are generally protected from infection.

Locations and times of possible exposures:

Taco Bell, 328 St Clair St, Chatham, ON, Tuesday March 19th, 2019 from 5:30PM to 8:30PM

Walmart, 881 St Clair St, Chatham, ON, Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 from 6:00PM to 9:30PM

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance—Sydenham Campus, 325 Margaret Ave, Wallaceburg, ON, Sunday March 24th from 7:00PM to 12:30AM on Monday March 25th.

The Health Unit is contacting individuals known to have been exposed to the virus who were at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance—Sydenham Campus.

As a precaution, the community is being asked to watch for the signs and symptoms of measles and to follow the recommendations below when seeking health care should these develop.

Symptoms:

– Fever, cough and runny nose

– Red, irritated eyes and light sensitivity

– Small white, grey or blue spots in the mouth

– Red, blotchy rash, which is the last symptom to appear. The rash appears on the face and then spreads down over the body, and will begin to fade after about a week.

If you develop symptoms:

– Stay home and don’t allow others to visit for at least four days after the rash starts

– Call the Health Unit at 519-355-1071 ext. 5902 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

– Contact your health care provider BY PHONE.

Please note: If you need to visit a healthcare provider, emergency department or walk-in clinic, call first and tell them you have measles symptoms.

If you have general health questions or questions about your vaccination status:

Call the Health Unit at 519.355.1071 ext. 5900 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM)

More information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads and how it can be prevented, is available from the Public Health Agency of Canada.