Latest news with #Windsor-EssexCountyHealthUnit
CBC
17-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Health unit warns of possible surge in measles among unvaccinated people attending Easter events
The Windsor-Essex health unit is warning the public that the upcoming holiday weekend could prompt a surge in measles infections among unvaccinated people. "The most important message for our community is that if they are unprotected, get their vaccines," Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's medical officer of health, said Thursday. "If they feel any symptoms going into the long weekend, large gathering, please stay home and make sure that others are not exposed to this preventable disease," he said. WECHU said in a press release that Easter gatherings, such as church events or egg hunts, "could lead to very high transmission of the virus." The health unit has created signs that event organizers can post outside their venues. Aloosh, speaking at a press conference in Leamington, said the latest count showed 69 confirmed local measles cases — including severe ones requiring hospitalization — since the first one was reported in February. But he said the true number of infections is likely higher, since not everyone gets tested and seeks medical care. Infections have been most concentrated in the broader southwestern Ontario region – particularly among unvaccinated children — since the province's outbreak began. It's been traced to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick, per Ontario's top public health doctor. Locally, the outbreak "hasn't slowed down" in recent weeks, Aloosh said, and the majority of cases have been in Leamington and Kingsville. But he said the health unit is worried the virus could spread beyond those areas among unvaccinated people. The health unit is urging all local residents to check to see if they have been vaccinated against the virus, which is "easily spread amongst unvaccinated populations." "Getting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent serious illness and avoid hospital visits as two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 97% protection against measles," the health unit said. WATCH | Here's what you need to know about measles Here's what you need to know about measles 1 month ago Duration 2:00 As cases of measles ramp up, CBC's Jennifer La Grassa explains what you need to know to stay safe against the highly contagious respiratory illness. Typically, children receive the first dose when they are around one, with the second dose given between the ages of four and six. However, the health unit has said previously that some kids can receive the first dose starting at six months due to the current outbreak. Infants around the ages of four and five months — those who don't have any remaining immunity from their mother but are still too young to get the early vaccine — are at higher risk, Aloosh said. Parents of children that age who are attending weekend events should make sure the people they're around are vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms, he said. The WECHU also said Thursday that if a measles case is identified at a school, "any student who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine will be excluded from school for up to 21 days." "This exclusion from school applies to students with a valid immunization exemption on file," the health unit added. Aloosh said kids with exemptions are included because of the need to not just protect them, but also those around them because the vaccine is not quite 100 per cent effective, as well as those in the community who can't receive the vaccine, such as immunocompromised or pregnant people. The health unit has held vaccination clinics, in addition to recommending that people see their health care providers about getting protected. "Definitely we see that increase in uptake of the vaccine," Aloosh said. Aloosh said ending the outbreak in Windsor-Essex doesn't just depend on the health unit. "This cannot happen without [the] help of our community, and that's why we want to have this message," he said.
CBC
20-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Early measles vaccines recommended for some infants: Windsor-Essex health unit
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is now recommending that some very young children be assessed to receive a dose of the measles vaccine ahead of schedule in response to rising cases in the region. Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, the region's medical officer of health, issued an update Thursday that recommends local health care providers conduct individual risk assessments for patients between six and 12 months old who have not yet received their first measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. "Based on the level of individual risk, as assessed through the patient's likelihood of travel to areas where measles is circulating, or other high-risk activities … healthcare providers should consider administering a dose of MMR ahead of schedule," the health unit said in a statement, adding that high-risk activities could include attending large gatherings. The early dose would be additional to the two doses that children are recommended to receive between 12 and 15 months and after 18 months, the health unit says. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Droplets containing the measles virus can stay in the air for several hours, and the virus remains infectious on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. "Our region is amongst those in the province which is managing the ongoing and increasing challenges associated with measles," Aloosh said. "This updated vaccination recommendation for susceptible infants will provide an additional important level of protection." The Windsor-Essex health unit reports 17 cases of measles in the region in March and two in February. According to Public Health Ontario data, the Chatham-Kent health unit has had 20 cases of the virus since Ontario's measles outbreak began in late October. Parents and caregivers should contact their child's health care provider for more information about early vaccination. Cases in Ontario are on the rise, according to Public Health Ontario: There have been 470 cases across the province, an increase of 120 cases since just March 14. Nearly half of those cases are in nearby Elgin and Oxford counties and the city of St. Thomas, all covered by Southwestern Public Health. That health unit reports 228 cases, primarily in unvaccinated children. That's the most of any Ontario health unit. Southwestern Public Health medical officer of health Dr. Ninh Tran debunked misinformation in the community that catching measles leads to total immunity. "While getting measles can result in natural immunity, being infected with measles carries significant health risks, including pneumonia, brain infections and brain swelling," Tran said, adding that it can also come with significant complications like low birth weight and miscarriage for people who are pregnant. The Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent health units are tracking measles exposures in the community, and advising residents who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their primary care providers.
CBC
13-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Here's where you might've been exposed to measles in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent
Social Sharing The health unit in Windsor-Essex is reporting more cases of measles and exposures in the community, while the Chatham-Kent health unit continues to respond confirmed cases in the municipality. There have been multiple reported cases across southern Ontario, and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit warns there are likely to be more as the highly infectious respiratory virus spread in the community. The virus can remain in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The health units are warning people of potential exposure points in the communities. This list will be updated. Windsor Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus Sunday, March 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Main elevators. Entrance. Third floor pediatric hallway. Erie Shores HealthCare Thursday, March 6 from 6:50pm to Friday, March 7 at 1:54 a.m. Main emergency department entrance. Triage. Emergency department. Friday, March 7 from 9:30 p.m. to 10:05 p.m. Walmart Supercentre at 304 Erie St. S. in Leamington Saturday, March 1 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the main entrance La Toxica Mexican Food at 73 Erie St. South, Leamington Sunday, March 2 - 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Toldo Lancer Centre at 2555 College Ave. in Windsor Friday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Chick-Fil-A at 3060 Howard Ave. in Windsor Friday, March 7 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fresh Co Leamington at 250 Erie St S., Leamington Friday, March 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m Old Colony Christian Academy Kingsville at 1521 Road 4 West RR 2 Friday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Erie Shores Walk-In Clinic at 33 Princess Street, Leamington Thursday, March 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Main building entrance. Walk-in clinic waiting room. TMC Kingsville Walk-in/Urgent Care at 273 Main St. East, Kingsville Saturday, March 1 from 9:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, March 8 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Chatham-Kent Growing Together Family Resource Centre — W.J. Baird Site at 182 King St., Blenheim March 4 to 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EarlyON — W.J. Baird Site at 182 King St., Blenheim March 4 and March 6 between 7:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Tim Hortons at 41 Park Ave., Chatham March 6 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Country Kitchen at 415 Richmond St., Chatham March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Walmart at 881 St. Clair St., Chatham March 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thamesview Family Health Team at 465 Grand Ave. W. March 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 6 from 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Emergency Department at 80 Grand Ave. W. Feb. 15 from 2:35 p.m. to 5:31 p.m. YMCA Chatham at 101 Courthouse Lane Feb. 25, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 from 12:45 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. Chatham Christian School at 475 Keil Dr. S Feb. 27 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Celebration of Learning event) Feb. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Discovery Day kindergarten registration) March 4 to 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (badminton practice) No Frills Chatham at 835 Queen St. March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tilbury Walk-In Clinic at 15 Mill St. E. March 5 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ebenezer Christian School - Ballhawks Practice at 485 McNaughton Ave., E Chatham March 4 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. St. Angela Merici Catholic School – After School at 801 McNaughton Ave., W Chatham March 6 from 5:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Gym and Ccommon areas Municipality of Chatham-Kent Tilbury Municipal Office at 17 Superior St., Tilbury March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. ONroute Tilbury on the 401 Westbound March 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Blenheim Golden Eagles Gymnastics Club at 245 Marlborough St., N Blenheim March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. CK Public Health is asking anyone present in these locations during these time frames who is not up-to date with their vaccinations to contact them at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902 The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance announced Wednesday that its opening a measles information centre at the hospital to help people who are exposed to the virus and not fully vaccinated. If you or your child have been exposed, you must call the centre at (519) 352-6400 to book an appointment.
CBC
12-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Worried about measles in southwestern Ontario? Here's what you need to know
As measles cases continue to grow in southwestern Ontario, health officials say people need to make sure they are informed and vaccinated. After years without locally acquired measles cases, both Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are now seeing the disease spread in the community. Health officials in both regions say it's a fluid situation, with cases likely to increase in the coming weeks. Since January, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has reported six cases and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has reported seven cases as of Tuesday evening. "I understand the concern of our community," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, medical officer of health for Windsor-Essex. "We are monitoring the situation carefully as it evolves. We are in conversation with our neighbouring health unit to understand the behaviour of disease in those communities." The Middlesex-London Health Unit also reported its first case this week. What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms include: Fever. Cough. Red, watery eyes. Runny nose. Koplik spots — small, white spots that occur on the inside of the cheeks. A rash that usually begins as flat, red spots on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. It is estimated nearly one to three of every 1,000 children who become infected will die from complications, such as pneumonia and a swelling of the brain called encephalitis. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles infection, which needs to run its course, though medications are available to help manage symptoms. Droplets containing the measles virus can stay in the air for several hours, and the virus remains infectious on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. Am I at risk? "The people that we're most worried about are unvaccinated people, because they're the people that are most susceptible to getting measles if they're exposed," said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent. If you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMVR) vaccine, health officials say you are highly protected. According to the Canadian government, the efficacy of one dose of the vaccine is estimated to be between 85 and 95 per cent, with two doses bringing that to 100 per cent. In Ontario, kids are expected to receive the first vaccine dose at 12 months and then a second dose between four and six years old. To check your of your kids' vaccination status, you can speak with your family doctor, look at your vaccination record or check your record online. If you were born before 1970, Health Canada says you are considered immune, because it's likely you had the virus at some point in time — though you should still speak with a family doctor to ensure you don't need the vaccine. The vaccination rates in both Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are high, so public health officials say the risk of getting measles is still low. What should I do if my child is too young to be vaccinated? If your child has not yet been vaccinated because they are younger than 12 months, Nesathurai advises that you speak with your family doctor or local public health unit about how to best protect them. "If your children are unwell, then it's better to be safe ... better to take them to the doctor or to your nurse practitioner and have someone look at the child," he said. If parents suspect their child has measles or been exposed, Nesathurai says they should call in advance to their clinic or doctor's office so they can take all precautions to make sure no one else in the waiting room gets exposed. Parents can also stay up to date on measles exposure locations by going to their local public health unit website. There are currently several locations listed between Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent where people could have been exposed.
CBC
11-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
City of Windsor launches week-long nuclear emergency preparedness drill
The City of Windsor and several regional partners will participate in a week-long emergency preparedness exercise simulating a coordinated response to a fictional nuclear event, beginning Friday. The large-scale initiative involves Windsor Regional Hospital, the Town of Essex, the County of Essex, the Town of Amherstburg and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. It aims to strengthen emergency management skills, test response protocols and improve cross-border collaboration in a controlled environment. "This exercise is essential to ensuring our emergency teams are fully prepared to protect our community in the event of a crisis," said Michael Mio, fire chief and community emergency management co-ordinator for Amherstburg. "We are reinforcing our emergency response capabilities and strengthening vital relationships that are critical in an actual emergency." Emergency personnel will demonstrate their skills, refine response strategies and build essential partnerships. During the training period, residents may experience temporary closures or service interruptions: WFCU Centre: Partially closed to the public on March 17 and 18. Users have been notified in advance. Amherstburg Libro Centre: Closed to the public on March 17, 18 and 19. Team Rehab will remain open. Windsor Regional Hospital: Participating in emergency training on March 18. Patient care will not be affected. Town of Essex: No anticipated facility or service disruptions. Residents may also see actors simulating emergency scenarios as part of the exercise. Emily Bertram, emergency planning officer for the City of Windsor, highlighted the value of the initiative. "This exercise plays a key role in preparing our municipal and emergency response teams for crisis situations. It has already provided and will continue to offer valuable opportunities for participating organizations to build stronger partnerships and improve response effectiveness," she said. The local health unit is also encouraging residents to check the expiry dates of their potassium iodide (KI) pills. These pills help protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure in the unlikely event of a nuclear incident. The local health unit is also encouraging residents to check the expiry dates of their KI pills. These pills help protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure in the unlikely event of a nuclear incident. Residents can obtain or replace KI pills at designated distribution events: March 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex, 1168 Drouillard Rd., Windsor March 19, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Forest Glade Community Centre, 3215 Forest Glade Dr., Windsor KI pills should only be taken when instructed by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. They should be stored with a 72-hour emergency kit. Expired pills can be disposed of in household garbage or returned to a local pharmacy.
