The number of measles cases is on the rise in Canada

The number of confirmed measles cases in Canada so far this year is more than three times higher than all infections recorded in 2023, the country’s top public health officer said as she urged people to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified 40 confirmed cases across the country in 2024, its chief administrator, the D^D Theresa Tam.

D^D Tam expressed concern that not enough school-aged children have not been properly vaccinated against the highly contagious virus.

She “strongly advises parents and guardians to ensure that children in their care have received all measles vaccinations as scheduled.”

Those who are unsure of their child’s immunization history should talk to their health care provider or local public health department, suggested D.^D Tom.

The timing of doses varies by province and territory, but in general, children receive their first dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, then a second dose before starting the vaccine. ‘school.

“There is no reason why children – who could become seriously ill from this disease – should be affected, because it is preventable through vaccination,” she said.

Quebec has had 28 confirmed cases this year – the most in the country, D said^D Tom. Ontario had 10 cases; British Columbia and Saskatchewan have one case each.

The majority of people infected with measles in Canada were unvaccinated and most were children.

Seven people have been hospitalized with measles this year, D said.^D Tom.

She added that while some people have been infected during international travel, others have caught measles in Canada.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has already urged people to check their measles vaccination status ahead of the peak March break travel season.

Wednesday, D^D Tam said it’s hard to say at this point whether March Break travel contributed to an increase in cases, but she wanted to get the message out again as people prepare for family gatherings and celebrations religious.

The increase in measles this year is likely caused by increased measles activity globally, combined with “suboptimal vaccination coverage nationwide,” D said.^D Tom.

She noted that there may have been a decrease in access to routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but local public health agencies “have been doing their best to catch up.”

There has recently been “a surge in public interest in the vaccine, which is great,” she said.

Symptoms of measles include fever, red, watery eyes, runny nose, and cough at first. These symptoms are followed by a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a press release.

“Measles is more than just a rash. The infection can cause rare but serious complications, including deafness and brain damage caused by brain inflammation, and can even be fatal. », Indicates the press release.

A 95% vaccination rate is needed to give communities herd immunity against measles.

The most recent available national data, from 2021, shows that 79% of children have received two doses of measles vaccine by the age of seven.

The Canadian Press’ health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.