Waterloo Region has confirmed two additional cases of measles, following the first local case reported just last Friday. These are the first infections identified in the community in over five years, with all three cases linked to the ongoing outbreak sweeping across southwestern Ontario.
Public health officials have pinpointed two locations in Waterloo where potential public exposure may have occurred on Friday, March 21:
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Pharmasave Campus (170 University Ave. W.) between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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Shoppers Drug Mart (50 Weber St. N.) between 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
If you were at either of these locations during the specified times, it’s essential to review next steps and monitor for symptoms. Information is available here.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Waterloo Region, emphasized the virus’s contagious nature:
“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily among those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination remains the most effective way to limit the spread and protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”
A Broader Picture: Outbreak Expands Across Ontario
While Waterloo Region is now on the radar, the majority of measles cases remain concentrated in Southwestern Public Health, which accounts for nearly 50% of all provincial cases. Nearby Grand Erie contributes 24%, and Huron Perth—home to towns like Stratford and Goderich—has jumped to 9%, up from 3.7% just last week. That sharp increase has prompted officials to declare the region an area of concern.
Fictional Anecdote: A Lesson in the Aisle
Emily, a third-year university student, just wanted cold medicine. She popped into Pharmasave between classes. Forty-eight hours later, she was on the phone with public health. “Measles? I haven’t thought about that since elementary school,” she laughed nervously. “Guess my immune system’s about to get a pop quiz.”
Why This Matters
Here’s the deal: measles isn’t just a childhood inconvenience. It can cause serious complications—especially in infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. And yes, it spreads faster than gossip in a group chat.
Are you vaccinated? If you’re not sure, now’s the time to find out. Because when it comes to measles, immunity isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a community shield.
As George Carlin once said, “It’s never just a cold.” Well, when it comes to measles, it’s never just a rash either.
Stay alert, stay informed, and please—check your immunization records.
