Cases of measles in Chatham-Kent are on the decline thanks to high vaccination rates, according to the municipality’s top doctor.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said as of Monday, 170 measles cases have been detected by CK Public Health since January 1. This marked a small increase of five cases since May 20.
“The number of cases has really been declining over the past few weeks and the public health service has been able to manage the cases within the resource envelope that we have,” Dr. Nesathurai said during a Health Board meeting on Monday. “I think that, in part, the reason that the reason we’ve been able to manage the measles in the community with relative efficiency is because we have a high vaccination rate.”
Dr. Nesathurai said current estimates show that 95 per cent of 17-year-olds in Chatham-Kent are up-to-date on their measles vaccine.
“I hope that’s a trend that continues in the years as we move forward,” he said.
Out of the 17 regional health units in Ontario, Chatham-Kent Public Health has reported the fourth-highest number of measles cases since the onset of the outbreak. According to Public Health Ontario, Chatham-Kent also has the second-highest rate of infection at 151 people per 100,000.
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles and need to visit a healthcare provider, emergency department, or walk-in clinic, be sure to call ahead before attending.
