Urgent Health Warning Issued!

Attention residents of Waterloo Region! Public health officials have identified **seven new locations** where potential measles exposures may have occurred. If you visited these sites during the specified times, you could be at risk!

Exposure Locations: Act Now!

Here are the critical locations and times to monitor closely for any symptoms:

- **Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) Emergency Department** 835 King Street West, Kitchener **Dates:** April 26-27, 9:20 PM - 4:20 AM. **Monitor until:** May 18.

- **Chick-fil-A Restaurant** 405 Hespeler Road, Cambridge **Date:** May 1, 4 PM - 10:14 PM. **Monitor until:** May 22.

- **Elite Auto Care** 105 Hespeler Road, Cambridge **Date:** May 2, 2:55 PM - 5:15 PM. **Monitor until:** May 23.

- **V Nails and Beauty** 415 Hespeler Road, Cambridge **Date:** May 2, 4:45 PM - 8 PM. **Monitor until:** May 23.

- **Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen’s Blvd. (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital) Emergency Department** 911 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener **Dates:** May 3-4, 8:15 PM - 12:23 AM. **Monitor until:** May 25.

- **Shoppers Drug Mart** 700 Strasburg Road, Kitchener **Date:** May 3, 10:30 PM - 1 AM (May 4). **Monitor until:** May 25.

- **Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen’s Blvd.** (Again!) **Dates:** May 4-5, 11 PM - 9:50 AM. **Monitor until:** May 26.

Why You Should Be Concerned!

As the region experiences a rise in measles transmission, Dr. Rabia Bana, Associate Medical Officer of Health, stresses the importance of vaccination. "Vaccination is your best defense against this serious illness!" She highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure families comply with immunization requirements, reminding everyone that unvaccinated individuals, especially children, are at significant risk.

Are You at Risk? Take Action!

If you visited any of these exposure sites, it's crucial to monitor for symptoms and act quickly:

1. **Contact your local public health unit** if you're pregnant, immunocompromised, or have not received full measles vaccinations.

2. **Check your vaccination record** to confirm immunity—especially for those born after 1970.

3. **Watch for symptoms** such as fever, cough, and a distinctive rash that can appear as late as 21 days post-exposure.

Stay Safe & Informed!

If you feel any symptoms, **stay at home** and consult your healthcare provider before visiting in person. This precaution prevents spreading potential measles to others.

For further updates on potential exposures, visit [Waterloo Region Public Health](http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/measles) and follow their social media channels for real-time announcements!

Together, We Can Beat This Outbreak!

Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself and your loved ones from this highly contagious disease. Your health is your greatest asset—don’t take any chances!