Urgent Vaccination Reminder Amid Measles Outbreak in Windsor Area

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is sounding the alarm as the region confirms its second and third cases of measles, urging unvaccinated individuals to receive their vaccinations against this highly contagious virus.

In a statement released on Monday evening, health authorities warned, “Additional cases and exposure risks are expected over the coming days and weeks.” It’s a call to action for the community to prioritize their health amid growing concerns.

Vaccination is underscored as the most effective defense against measles, which poses severe health risks for those unvaccinated. The health unit explained that complications from measles can be dire, including pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, and even death in extreme cases.

Exposure Locations

Health officials have identified three locations where exposure may have occurred:

- **Toldo Lancer Centre**, 2555 College Ave., Windsor, on March 7, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.

- **Chick-Fil-A**, 3060 Howard Ave., Windsor, on March 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

- **TMC Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic**, Kingsville, on March 8, from 1:15 to 3:35 p.m.

Individuals who visited these sites during those times are advised to monitor for symptoms of measles for 7 to 21 days from the exposure date. Early signs, which usually develop 10 to 14 days post-exposure, include a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and distinctive white spots inside the cheeks. The signature rash typically emerges later, beginning on the face and spreading throughout the body over three days, lasting about five to six days before fading.

The health unit is coordinating with surrounding health departments to address the outbreak. Those who were directly impacted can expect outreach from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit to identify potential exposure in various public settings, such as shopping centers, health care facilities, and restaurants.

Vaccination Guidelines

Important vaccination guidelines include:

- Children aged 1-17 typically need two doses of the measles vaccine to achieve immunity.

- Individuals born before 1970 are generally considered immune.

- Those born after 1970 who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may need an additional shot.

- If you're uncertain about your vaccination status, consult a healthcare provider. If you lack a provider, you can call 811 or reach out to UrgentCareOntario online.

This situation compounds concerns following a recent measles case reported in Leamington, with Public Health Ontario indicating an ongoing measles transmission across several health units since early February.

Alarmingly, recent data suggests a significant surge in measles cases in Canada, marking a distressing trend with more cases in the initial months of 2025 than in all of the previous year combined. Many of these cases involve unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children, often linked to exposure in schools, daycare centers, and healthcare settings.

The measles virus is exceedingly contagious, transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Viruses can linger in the air for up to two hours, heightening the risk in shared spaces.

Additionally, last week saw over 1,000 elementary school students in Windsor and Essex County temporarily suspended due to incomplete vaccination records. Families were notified of the requirement to either complete their immunizations or face exclusion from school for a period of up to 20 days, in compliance with Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Stay informed, stay safe, and make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated to protect against this dangerous disease. Your health is in your hands!