At the epicentre of Ontario’s measles outbreak, residents reel with concern

St. Thomas resident Cemon Aswathi breathed a sigh of relief as she stood outside the Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) building, having just booked her 17-month-old son Nathan for his second dose of the measles vaccine. Aswathi expressed her concerns about the ease with which young children can catch measles, making it a frightening situation for parents.

The region, which includes St. Thomas and smaller townships and municipalities in Oxford and Elgin counties, has seen a significant spike in measles infections, accounting for about 40 per cent of cases reported in Ontario over the last six months. With thirty-two new cases recorded just this past week, the current measles outbreak is the largest Canada has seen in more than a decade.

Health officials in Ontario have reported a total of 816 measles cases, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children. Public health units in Ontario’s southwest region have been dealing with approximately 88 per cent of the reported cases since October. The outbreak has led to a sense of urgency among residents to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their families.

Measles typically presents with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash that spreads across the body. The virus is highly contagious, and infected individuals can spread it through the air for up to two hours after leaving a room.

In March, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore linked the current outbreak to a Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick, emphasizing that over 90 per cent of cases in Ontario were among unimmunized individuals. The town of Aylmer in Elgin County, home to a large Mennonite community, has been working with local organizations to ensure that residents receive crucial public health messages.

Mennonite Community Services (MCS) of Southern Ontario has been instrumental in translating health unit ads into Low German and broadcasting them on their 24/7 local radio station. This effort aims to reach community members with vital information about measles and the importance of vaccination.

The outbreak has raised concerns for Aylmer resident Jodi Nesbitt, whose daughter is pregnant with her second child. As a nurse at a retirement home, Nesbitt understands the gravity of the situation and the need for vaccination, especially for young children who are vulnerable to the virus.

Children can receive their first dose of the measles vaccine at 12 months old, with the option to get a second dose as early as four weeks later due to the ongoing outbreak. Infants aged 6 to 11 months are now also eligible to receive a dose for earlier protection against measles.

Health officials are bracing for a prolonged outbreak, estimating that it could last up to two years as it spreads through unvaccinated communities. Dr. Asmaa Hussain, a pediatrician at St. Thomas General Hospital, expressed her concerns about the rapid spread of infections and the strain it will put on the healthcare system.

As the outbreak continues, it is crucial for residents to stay informed, get vaccinated, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from measles.