N.B. measles outbreak pushing Canada’s case count to 5-year high

A recent measles outbreak in New Brunswick has brought Canada’s annual case count to the highest level in five years. The outbreak, with 43 cases reported in the province’s Health Zone 3, including Fredericton and parts of the Upper Saint John River Valley area, has raised concerns about the infectious nature of the disease and the impact of low vaccination rates.

According to the Department of Health, all 43 cases can be traced back to an initial case reported on Oct. 24 involving a person who recently traveled internationally. Of the cases, 36 are individuals aged 19 years and under, highlighting the vulnerability of children to the disease.

The outbreak in New Brunswick is part of a national surge, with 100 cases reported across Canada as of Nov. 2. This increase in cases is the highest since 2019 when 103 cases were confirmed. Immunologist and professor of medicine at McMaster University, Dawn Bowdish, emphasized the rapid spread of measles in populations with low vaccination rates, noting that the virus is highly contagious and can easily infect individuals who are unvaccinated.

Measles is transmitted through the air or direct contact with infected individuals’ nasal or throat secretions. The virus has an incubation period of 8 to 12 days, during which individuals may be contagious without displaying symptoms. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose, and a characteristic red rash.

The decline in vaccination rates worldwide has contributed to the resurgence of measles outbreaks, with interruptions in routine childhood vaccinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation. In New Brunswick, vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have fallen below the national target of 95%, necessary to achieve herd immunity.

To combat the outbreak, Horizon Health Network has organized vaccination clinics in Zone 3, with upcoming clinics scheduled in Fredericton and Stanley Health Centre. Public health offices and primary care providers are also offering the vaccine to eligible individuals in New Brunswick.

Bowdish emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles and its potentially severe complications, such as ear infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling. Vaccination clinics provide an opportunity for individuals to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of the disease.

Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local Public Health office for guidance. The measles vaccine is considered safe and effective, with a long history of use in preventing infection. By increasing vaccination rates, communities can build immunity and prevent future outbreaks of measles.