Guelph named ‘risk area’ as measles outbreak grows

The measles outbreak in Ontario is growing, and the Guelph area is quickly becoming a hot spot.

Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) says the entire municipality has been designated a Risk Area for Measles Transmission by the province.

In a media release, Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health for WDGPH wrote, “While this designation from the Province highlights the overall measles risk to our community, it does not change our core guidance.”

“I am strongly encouraging every person to review their measles vaccine status and — if necessary — get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said.

As of Thursday, 10 more measles cases were reported for WDG. There have been 46 total since the outbreak began.

In Waterloo Region, there’s been a total of 48 cases with nine more reported week-over-week.

More potential exposure locations in Waterloo Region

Region of Waterloo Public Health has updated its list of possible measles exposure locations in the community, adding seven to the dashboard.

• Saturday, April 26 from 9 p.m. to Sunday, April 27 at 4:20 a.m. at WRHN at Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) Emergency Department, Kitchener
• Thursday, May 1 from 4 p.m. to 10:14 p.m. at Chick-fil-a, 450 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
• Friday, May 2 from 2:55 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at Elite Auto Care, 105 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
• Friday, May 2 from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at V Nails and Beauty, 415 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
• Saturday, May 3 from 8:15 p.m. to Sunday, May 4 at 12:23 a.m. at WRHN at Queen’s Blvd. (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital) Emergency Department, Kitchener
• Saturday, May 3 from 10:30 p.m. to Sunday, May 4 at 1 a.m. at Shoppers Drug Mart, 700 Strasburg Road, Kitchener
• Sunday, May 4 from 11 p.m. to Monday, May 5 at 9:50 a.m. at WRHN at Queen’s Blvd. (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital) Emergency Department, Kitchener

Those born before 1970 or who have received two doses of the measles vaccine, the risk of contracting the virus is considered very low.

People most at risk of transmission include anyone who has not received both vaccine doses.

Traditionally, the first dose measles vaccine was given to children after their first birthday but amid the outbreak, health officials are recommending a first does for kids six months and older. They will still require two additional doses later on to complete the immunization.

Learn more about the virus, how it spreads and how to protect yourself and your loved ones by visiting the Region’s Measles Resource Page.