Residents of Chatham-Kent are on high alert as new exposure sites for measles have been identified amid a troubling rise in confirmed cases across Ontario.

Chatham-Kent Public Health officials indicate that anyone who visited the front lobby of the Chatham site of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday between 6:25 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. In addition, shoppers at the Chatham Walmart on March 10 between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. are also at risk.

Since January 2025, the Chatham-Kent region has reported a total of seven confirmed measles cases, a concerning statistic that reflects the broader situation in the province. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, highlighted a significant increase, noting that 173 new cases have emerged this year alone. This alarming spike has raised the total confirmed cases in Ontario to 350, with 31 individuals hospitalized as a consequence of the virus.

The surge in measles cases has been predominantly among those who are either unimmunized or whose immunization status is unknown. Dr. Moore emphasized that over 96% of the recent cases fall into these categories, underscoring the critical importance of vaccination in preventing widespread outbreaks.

As public health authorities scramble to contain the spread, residents are urged to check their immunization records and ensure they are up-to-date. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to protect against measles, a disease that can lead to serious health complications.

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