In a concerning development, Lambton Public Health (LPH) has confirmed a second case of measles in the community. Health officials are actively working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and are urging vigilance among residents.

To help prevent further spread, LPH has issued a list of potential exposure sites for anyone who may have been in the vicinity during specific dates and times. Those locations include:

Potential Exposure Sites

- **Confederation Central School** (2500 Confederation Line) – March 17-21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- **Sarnia Upward Basketball Practice** (707 Talfourd Street) – March 17 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

- **Bluewater Health Sarnia Emergency Department** (89 Norman Street) – March 19 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

- **ARI Pediatric Dentistry** (1323 Exmouth Street) – March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

- **Sarnia Upward Basketball Game** (707 Talfourd Street) – March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- **Sarnia Upward Basketball Celebration** (707 Talfourd Street) – March 22 from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Health officials stress that anyone who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms, which can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs of measles infection typically include a mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes appearing about 10-12 days post-exposure. One of the hallmark symptoms is the presence of tiny blue-white spots inside the mouth, followed by the emergence of a red, blotchy rash 3-7 days later, which typically starts on the face along the hairline before spreading across the body.

In light of this outbreak, public health authorities are emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the most effective preventative measure against measles. Health professionals are encouraging all members of the community who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is uncertain to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As concerns over measles cases rise globally due to decreased vaccination rates, incidents like this highlight the need for heightened awareness and community engagement in vaccination programs. Stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping vaccinations up to date!