No cases of measles reported in Quebec during the COVID-19 pandemic

Measles cases decreased exceptionally in Quebec during the COVID-19 pandemic. No infection linked to this virus was declared in 2020 and 2021, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). About fifty had been registered in 2019.

Fewer cases of whooping cough have also been recorded for two years: their number fell from 1,258 in 2019, to 398 in 2020, then to 20 in 2021.

The D^D Caroline Quach-Thanh, microbiologist-infectiologist at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (CHU), explains the drop in measles cases by health measures and border restrictions during the pandemic. This serious disease, which can lead to brain damage and even death in young children, is one of the most contagious in the world.

“It is certain that wearing a mask will greatly reduce the transmission of other infections which are respiratory, says the pediatrician. There have also been quite a few fewer trips. We will remember that in 2019, when we had an outbreak during the summer, it started with an importation of cases. A non-vaccinated person had contracted the disease during a stay in France. “At the time, we had still revaccinated quite a lot, adds the D^D Quach-Thanh. We should [maintenant] have a not too bad vaccination coverage. »

Pertussis, a respiratory tract infection that causes coughing spells, experiences peak activity every two to five years. Despite this cyclical aspect, the D^D Quach-Thanh believes that wearing a mask has helped reduce its spread, as the disease is transmitted by droplets.

Vaccination, especially that of pregnant women, is also one of the keys, according to the specialist. Since 2018, Quebec has offered free pertussis vaccine to pregnant women to prevent complications in newborns. Infants receive a first dose for whooping cough at 2 months, then a booster dose at 4 months. “But where they are most at risk of complications is between 0 and 3 months, even before their vaccine can take effect”, explains the D^D Quach-Thanh. She recalls that several babies have died of whooping cough in Quebec over the past 15 years.

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