Urgent Call for Measles Vaccinations Amid Ongoing Outbreak – What You Need to Know!

The South East Health Unit (SEHU), which has evolved from the Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, is on high alert as it investigates a growing outbreak of measles in the region.

As of April 2, 2025, Public Health Ontario has confirmed a staggering total of 655 measles cases—560 confirmed and 95 probable—across 13 public health units. Alarmingly, SEHU reports that 43 of these cases are located in Hastings County, all of which involve previously unvaccinated individuals.

Fortunately, SEHU has stated that there are currently no reported measles exposures in public settings within the community. Should any infectious cases emerge in public places, the health unit will prompt swift notifications to citizens through contact tracing and public exposure alerts.

In a recent interview with Kingstonist, infectious disease expert Dr. Gerald Evans, the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), emphasized the critical importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and the broader community against outbreaks. Dr. Evans is also a professor at Queen's University, where he teaches in the Departments of Medicine, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, and Pathology & Molecular Medicine.

The SEHU is urging all residents to verify their measles immunization status and to stay watchful for potential symptoms, particularly if they are not fully vaccinated. "Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Please consult your healthcare provider if your immunizations are not current," SEHU highlighted.

For those looking to check their immunization records, links to the relevant health units are available:

HPE: [HPE Health Records](hpechu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome) KFLA: [KFLA Health Records](kfla.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome) LGL: [LGL Health Records](lgl.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome)

SEHU mentioned that individuals born in 1985 or earlier may not have their immunization records readily available. Notably, most people born before 1970 are presumed to have acquired immunity from childhood infections due to the prevalence of measles at that time. The MMR vaccine is part of Ontario's routine immunization schedule and is mandatory for children in public schools, barring exemptions.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is publicly funded and accessible through healthcare providers or SEHU's immunization clinics. To secure an appointment, residents can reach out to their healthcare providers or schedule through SEHU:

HPE: [HPE Immunization Clinic](hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic) KFLA: [KFLA Immunization Clinic](kflaph.ca/en/clinics-and-classes/routine-immunization-clinics.aspx) LGL: [LGL Immunization Clinic](healthunit.org/clinics-classes/immunization-clinic)

The measles virus is notoriously contagious—transmitted through the air after an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, increasing the risk of outbreaks in unvaccinated populations.

If you experience symptoms related to measles, SEHU advises you to:

- Stay at home and refrain from attending work or school. - Contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you need to visit a clinic, ensure you notify them ahead of your arrival to prevent potential exposure to others.

For further assistance, individuals can reach out to SEHU’s Infectious & Communicable Diseases Program at 613-966-5500, ext. 349 or toll-free at 1-800-267-2803, with TTY service available at 1-800-267-6511.

Stay informed and get vaccinated—protect yourself and your community from the dangerous resurgence of measles!