A play-by-play of how measles outbreaks can spiral out of control
Measles infections are on the rise across multiple provinces in Canada, with more cases reported already this year than in all of 2024. Local public health alerts are being issued with detailed descriptions of the whereabouts of infected individuals before they were diagnosed. This raises questions about why measles cases are slipping through the cracks and why such detailed information is being provided.
The answers to these questions lie in the highly contagious nature of the measles virus and the crucial role that vaccination plays in preventing its spread. Caroline Colijn, an epidemiologist at Simon Fraser University, explains that measles is incredibly infectious and can spread rapidly, even if a large portion of the population is immunized. The recommended threshold for community immunity is 95%, but vaccination rates have been falling, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, making it highly contagious. The virus can linger on surfaces for up to two hours, posing a risk to those who are unvaccinated. In fact, a single infected person can infect up to 90% of their close contacts if they are not immunized.
The symptoms of measles can be easily mistaken for other respiratory illnesses like the flu, cold, or COVID-19. This can lead to delayed recognition of the infection, allowing the virus to spread further. It is important for individuals who are unvaccinated and experiencing cold symptoms to call ahead before visiting a clinic to prevent the spread of measles.
One of the key symptoms of measles is the appearance of Koplik spots in the mouth, followed by a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash consists of red dots that may vary in brightness depending on the individual’s skin tone. The delay between exposure and symptom onset, as well as the progression of symptoms, can lead to individuals unknowingly spreading the virus in public places.
The best prevention for measles is vaccination, but declining vaccination rates have contributed to outbreaks in recent years. Public health officials emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of measles. In cases where individuals are at high risk of exposure, such as infants or pregnant women, a medicine called immune globulin can be used to reduce the risk of developing measles.
Overall, early recognition, notification, and coordination are essential in managing measles cases to prevent further spread of the virus. By understanding the symptoms of measles and the importance of vaccination, individuals can help protect themselves and others from this highly contagious infection.
