While there haven't been any confirmed cases of the measles in Sarnia-Lambton over the past decade, local officials are monitoring outbreaks in other parts of Ontario and Quebec.
On Thursday, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit said an infected individual may have exposed community members to the virus.
They were at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Emergency Department from Sunday January 26 at 9 p.m. to Monday January at 2:30 a.m., and from Wednesday January 29 at 10:00 p.m. to Thursday January 30 at 5:30 a.m.
Southwestern Public Health said there are three active cases in Oxford County, Elgin County and St. Thomas.
A total of 13 children and six adults have been diagnosed by Grand Erie Public Health, which covers the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.
In an email, Lambton Public Health (LPH) said any outbreak of measles is concerning.
"We work to ensure high childhood immunization coverage rates in Lambton County," it said. "According to Public Health Ontario’s 2023-2024 data, in Lambton County 90 per cent of children age seven and 96.5 per cent of children age 17 are immunized against measles, higher than the provincial averages of 70.4 per cent and 91.6 per cent, respectively."
LPH said under the Immunization of School Pupils Act have been integral in achieving these rates. "Additionally, if a measles case were reported locally, we have policies in place for follow-up and containment, and we have communicated with local health care providers to ensure we are prepared to respond appropriately," it said.
Parents are being reminded that measles vaccines provide highly effective protection in preventing illness when the proper schedule is followed. They're also encouraged to ensure that their children are up-to-date with their required immunizations.
Those planning to travel, especially to countries where measles outbreaks are more common, are asked to make sure they book a travel consultation for any required immunizations at least six weeks prior to departure.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is easily spread through the air or through contact with respiratory droplets on surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and drowsiness followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and then moves down the body.