First Nations Health Authority Urges Vaccinations Following Confirmed Measles Case in Thunder Bay
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) is urging community members to get vaccinated following Thunder Bay’s first confirmed case of measles.
Janet Gordon, SLFNHA’s vice-president of community health, emphasized the urgent need to increase vaccination rates in northern Ontario communities. She said the authority has already engaged key partners to build awareness and is ramping up communications to communities and healthcare providers.
“We have low rates of immunization all around in the communities, and our nurses have been really focused on getting people vaccinated,” Gordon said. “As of last fall, we’ve been working hard to improve those numbers.”
Health officials are increasingly concerned as measles continues to spread across Ontario. In the past week alone, 197 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 1,440 since the outbreak began in October. Public Health Ontario confirms that 101 people have been hospitalized—75 of them children—and eight patients required intensive care.
Most measles cases have affected unvaccinated children, infants, and teens, particularly in Ontario’s southwestern region.
SLFNHA is now treating the outbreak as a “crisis” and calling for support from communities and health partners. “It’s a disease that you don’t want people to have, and it is preventable if people are vaccinated,” Gordon reiterated.
She highlighted logistical challenges in reaching remote communities, including a shortage of nurses and inadequate infrastructure for vaccine delivery. “We’re just focusing on MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) now, but other vaccinations are needed too. More staff, travel support, and functional workspaces would help immensely.”
Meanwhile, pediatrician Dr. Athena Young from Thunder Bay emphasized that the measles vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines available. “Two doses provide almost 100 per cent protection,” she said.
Dr. Young is especially concerned about measles spreading to remote communities where healthcare access is limited and systemic barriers have disrupted regular vaccination efforts.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has released a list of possible public exposure sites related to the confirmed case. Individuals who may have been exposed are advised to check their immunization status, monitor for symptoms until May 25, and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Potential Exposure Locations:
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May 7: Harbourview Family Health Team (10:40 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.), LifeLabs Oliver Road (11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.)
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May 8: Port Arthur Health Centre and Shoppers Drug Mart (10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.), LifeLabs Port Arthur (10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
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May 4: Air Canada Flight AC1195 (Toronto to Thunder Bay, 9:40 p.m. – 11 p.m.), Thunder Bay International Airport (11 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.)
TBDHU advises that those born before 1970 are likely immune. Others should ensure they’ve received two doses of a measles vaccine and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Symptoms of measles include: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a blotchy rash spreading from the face to the body. Individuals developing symptoms should stay home and call ahead before seeking medical care.
