The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is advising that an individual infected with measles may have exposed community members to the virus at the times and locations listed below.
Location and time of exposures:
– Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (80 Grand Ave. West Chatham, ON) Emergency Department from Sunday, January 26 at 9 pm to Monday, January 27 at 2:30 a.m.
– Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (80 Grand Ave. West Chatham, ON) Emergency Department from Wednesday, January 29 at 10 p.m. to Thursday, January 30 at 5:30 a.m.
“If you were present during this timeframe and are not up-to date with your vaccinations, please call Chatham-Kent Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902,” public health officials said in a media release.
Other actions to take if you were present at this location during these times:
– Check your immunization history or contact your health care provider to confirm if you and your family members are up-to-date with your measles vaccination. Individuals who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, or who have been previously infected with measles, or who were born before 1970, are generally protected from infection.
– Watch for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after exposure, even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccination. During this time, if you are unvaccinated avoid contact with vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and children.
– Those who were present with an infant under 12 months of age, are pregnant, are immunocompromised, or have not been vaccinated against measles are advised to immediately call Chatham-Kent Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902 as you may be eligible for preventative treatment.
“Call ahead to all health care settings if you have been exposed to, are a contact of, or have symptoms consistent with measles,” public health officials say.
“This ensures that the health care settings can prepare for your arrival to prevent further exposures.”
More information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads and how it can be prevented, is available on the Health Unit’s website www.ckphu.com/health-topics/diseases-infections/list-of-infectious-diseases/
