Measles Outbreak Spreads Across Canada, Montreal Becomes Epicentre
A measles outbreak is rapidly spreading across Canada, with Montreal emerging as the epicenter of the outbreak. As of Monday, a total of seventeen cases have been confirmed in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, with more than half of them concentrated in the Montreal area. Disturbingly, one case in Ontario has been linked to a local high school, raising concerns about community transmission.
Dr. Luc Boileau, the director of Quebec’s public health, confirmed ten cases in the province, most of which involve children. This surge in cases has made Montreal the country’s epicenter for the outbreak. Dr. Boileau revealed that only three of the cases were linked to travel outside of Canada, indicating community spread within and around the city.
Meanwhile, Public Health Ontario has confirmed five cases of measles, with all but one involving travel. The most recent case was reported in a man in his 30s in the York Region north of Toronto. According to Dr. Barry Pakes, the region’s medical health officer, this case is “likely” related to community transmission. The infected individual had close contacts among students and teachers at a high school, prompting public health officials to ensure that everyone at the school is vaccinated.
More than 1,500 students and 150 staff members received notifications from public health officials on February 29, informing them that they had been exposed to a positive case of measles. In response, an immunization clinic was organized on Sunday, which saw an excellent turnout. Dr. Pakes mentioned that the school already has a 95 percent measles vaccination rate, which is steadily increasing. However, students without proof of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine will not be allowed to return to school until March 15.
It is worth noting that the man in his 30s who contracted measles was fully vaccinated. Dawn Bowdish, an immunology professor at McMaster University, explained that it is rare for someone to be infected after being vaccinated. She emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that it reduces the severity of the illness and the likelihood of spreading the virus to others.
In British Columbia, one case of measles related to international travel was reported in the Vancouver Coastal health region over the weekend. The case involved a child under the age of 10. Additionally, a case confirmed in Saskatoon in January was also linked to travel abroad. The last reported cases of measles in British Columbia and Ontario were in 2019 when the western province mandated parents and guardians to provide immunization records for students enrolled in the public school system.
Infectious disease specialists warn that a small number of measles cases can quickly escalate into widespread infections, as has been witnessed in other parts of the world, including Europe, where thousands of cases have been confirmed. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, urged parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against measles, especially if they plan to travel during the upcoming spring break.
The confirmation of a single case in British Columbia has sparked concern among parents, with Premier David Eby describing it as “terrifying” for parents of infants. Eby strongly criticized those who spread misinformation about vaccines, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Measles symptoms initially resemble those of a cold or flu before a rash appears. The virus can lead to severe illness in children, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Health Canada reported that as of March 2021, national vaccination coverage rates were similar to those in 2019, with 92 percent of two-year-olds vaccinated against measles.
Canada aims to achieve a vaccination coverage rate of 95 percent by 2025 for various childhood vaccines, including two doses of a measles-containing vaccine by the age of seven.
The measles outbreak in Canada serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It is crucial for individuals to ensure that they and their children are up to date with their vaccinations to protect themselves and the community at large.
