Measles.  © Can Stock Photo / focalpointMeasles. © Can Stock Photo / focalpoint
Chatham

Measles exposure identified in Dresden church

CK Public Health is reporting a measles exposure at a church in Dresden.

Public health officials are asking anyone who is not up-to date with their vaccinations and who was present at the listed site during the listed time to call the local health unit at 519-352-7270 ext: 5902.

  1. Dresden Old Colony Mennonite Church Building, 10222 McCreary Line, Dresden on April 20, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The health unit is also asking the public to call their healthcare provider, emergency department, or walk-in clinic ahead of time if they need to visit them and have measles symptoms to tell them they have had an exposure and symptoms.

Measles symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. A red rash appears on the face three to seven days after the start of the symptoms and it may start from the face and progress down the body.

"It is important to note that the majority of individuals are vaccinated against measles, providing them with protection against the disease. As such, the risk of contracting measles remains small to the broader community. However, as a precautionary measure, we urge all individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations, said CK Public Health.

According to Public Health Ontario (PHO), Chatham-Kent has the fourth most reported measles cases out of all of the public health units in Ontario with a total of 117 measles cases as of Wednesday. That's 12 more since April 16, 2025.

PHO said an average of 86.5 per cent of the measles cases across the province are among unvaccinated individuals.

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