The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is warning the public about possible exposure spots for measles.
Anyone who visited the Growing Together Family Resource Centre, W.J. Baird Public School location, in Blenheim on March 4 - 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. should make sure they and anyone they've come in contact with are vaccinated.
Other exposure sites include the EarlyON site at W.J. Baird Public School on Mar. 4 and 6 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m., Tim Horton's on Park Avenue in Chatham on Mar. 6 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Country Kitchen on Richmond Street in Chatham on Mar. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and Walmart on St. Clair Street in Chatham on Mar. 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
These locations add to a growing list of exposure sites across Chatham-Kent.
Public health officials want you to call CK Public Health at 519-352-7270 ext: 5902 if you were present during any of these timeframes and are not up-to date with your vaccinations.
The health unit explains measles is a viral infection that spreads through coughing and sneezing and is very contagious. However, most school-aged children who are fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are protected.
It usually begins with mild to moderate fever accompanied by cough, runny nose, and red eyes usually about 10-12 days after exposure. Tiny blue-white spots inside the mouth may also be present.
A red blotchy rash appears 3-7 days after these initial symptoms, usually on the face at first, along the hairline, and then spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet, lasting five to six days.
The most frequent complications are lung infections, ear infections, and diarrhea, according to the health unit, adding that secondary bacterial and viral pneumonia following measles is also common.
