Measles case forces closure of second Kitchener high school
Posted May 15, 2025 05:44:09 PM.
Last Updated May 16, 2025 10:18:41 AM.
For the second time in two days, a measles case has prompted a temporary closure at a high school in Kitchener.
On Thursday, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) announced a measles case was recently confirmed at St. Mary’s High School.
The WCDSB said the case resulted in potential exposures on May 8, and out of an abundance of caution, the school will be closed Friday, May 16.
The board said the closure is needed to allow time for Region of Waterloo Public Health to verify vaccination statuses and help prevent further spread of the virus.
Public health is contacting any staff or students who may have been exposed and is providing advice on next steps.
“We are working closely with Public Health to ensure infection prevention measures are in place and that the school community is supported,” wrote the WCDSB in an online notice.
The closure was announced the same day Eastwood Collegiate Institute was shut down following a confirmed measles case, and that high school will remain closed Friday.
Virus spreading throughout the region
According to the regional public health unit there are 59 total measles cases in the municipality. An increase of 11 since the last update, a week prior.
There have been 1,622 cases confirmed province-wide, since the outbreak began. That’s an increase of 182 cases, week-over-week.
Public Health Ontario’s measles report says there have been 119 hospitalizations, including nine intensive care cases.
Of those hospitalized, 95 per cent were unvaccinated, including 89 children. This is the third consecutive week Ontario is reporting that new cases are in the 200-range, which is on the higher end since experts started keeping track of weekly spread.
Southwestern Public Health Unit’s Dr. Ninh Tran called the province’s case count over the last few weeks “significant.”
