05-03-2025
Case of measles confirmed at Essex County private school, says health unit
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) says lab tests confirm a person who attends Cornerstone Christian Academy in the community of Ruthven has the measles.
It's believed the exposure took place some time between February 21 to February 28.
Families of students who attend the school are required to contact the health unit on Wednesday and isolate the students.
"The health unit is working closely in collaboration with school administration to identify potential exposures and provide guidance to school personnel and families," WECHU said in a statement issued around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
It went on to say additional exposures are also being investigated — and that WECHU is connecting with hospitals for direction if people are required to attend an emergency department.
"An update to this statement will be provided as soon as possible with further information in this regard."
Earlier on Tuesday, the medical officer of health in Windsor-Essex told CBC News despite there not being a single reported local case of measles at that time, it was inevitable the disease will show up.
"It's a matter of time," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh. "It's a matter if the disease can find its way among those groups that are unvaccinated."
Ontario has seen a sharp uptick in cases of measles in recent weeks. So much so, health officials are calling it the largest outbreak in the province in the past 30 years.
"It was not that much of a surprise seeing the trends," said Aloosh. "You know that the disease is coming, it's not whether they're coming, it's about when they're coming to our region."
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued a letter to families with children attending school, referring to an "increase" in measles activity in the area. It's entitled "Stay Safe this March Break."
Nine-year-old Jexer Brayan receives a MMR vaccine, which protects against contracting the disease measles. (Annie Rice/Shutterstock)
Aloosh says until more recently, cases have typically been linked to international travel. However, that now includes local travel too.
"Travel puts you at risk. Anyone who has not had measles or has not been completely vaccinated against measles can become sick."
According to Aloosh, the primary reason for the uptick in cases is the world being behind in vaccinating children for different diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WATCH | Once declared eradicated, measles is surging in parts of Canada:
Infants under 12 months of age, children, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system who have not been vaccinated against measles are at greater risk, according to the health unit.
The virus is considered a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. It spreads easily in the air when someone who is infected coughs, talks or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can persist in a closed space for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread by direct contact with mucus or saliva — from kissing or sharing food or drinks.
Child with measles. (imageBROKER/Shutterstock)
Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to an infected person. They include a fever, funny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. A red rash appears on the face three to seven days after the start of the other symptoms. The rash then progresses across the body.
WECHU says the best way to stop the spread of an active case of measles is by staying home in isolation.
Vaccines are also strongly recommended. In Ontario, two doses of measles vaccine are routinely given to children who are one and between four and six years old.
The health unit say it's important to ensure immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally and even domestically.
The measles vaccine is free and offers roughly 95 per cent protection, according to Aloosh.
