Measles case confirmed in Waterloo Region

Region of Waterloo Public Health has confirmed a local case of measles, which is related to the ongoing outbreak in southwestern Ontario.

Public health announced Friday that it received confirmation of the measles case and health officials are working to identify people who may have been exposed.

It Includes anyone who visited 51 Benton St., a medical centre, in Kitchener on March 18 between 4:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

People who were there and are pregnant, immunocompromised, or either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated must contact public health immediately.

It’s the first measles case to be confirmed in the region since 2019.

Everyone else should check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms, which can appear up to 21 days after exposure but usually pop up within seven to 12 days. More details on the suggested steps can be found by clicking here.

Waterloo Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, said, “Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily among those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination remains the most effective way to limit the spread and protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”

Growing outbreaks across the province

The measles case in Waterloo Region is linked to the current outbreak, which has seen 470 cases detected provincially since October — an increase of 120 cases since March 14.

The spread resulted in 34 hospitalizations, including two people who needed intensive care. Most of those hospitalized were unvaccinated kids, including one of the intensive care patients. 

The majority of cases are still located in the Southwestern Public Health region, where almost half of the cases are reported, and neighbouring Grand Erie, which has almost 24 per cent. 

Nine per cent of the province’s cases are now in Huron Perth, a region that includes Stratford and Goderich, rising from 3.7 per cent last week. Local public health officials have deemed it an area of concern. 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. The World Health Organization says the virus can remain active in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. 

It usually begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body and limbs. The virus can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and death.

More information on measles here.

With files from The Canadian Press.