Just as the Windsor Essex County Health Unit reports an uptick in the measles virus in wastewater surveillance, it's sending some families reminders to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date.
"Wastewater surveillance is one of the tools we use to monitor public health trends," said Medical Officer of Health Doctor Mehdi Aloosh. "Although clinical measles cases remain low, the presence of the virus back in the wastewater suggests that we must remain vigilant."
The health unit said there's no direct link between wastewater data and school-aged children, but it's a reminder that high community immunization coverage protects children.
It's offering catch-up immunization clinics throughout the summer.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for families to access this important vaccine," added Aloosh. "With the school year approaching and the measles virus detected in wastewater, this is a timely opportunity to ensure our community remains protected against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases."
There's more about those immunization clinics on the health unit's webpage.
