North Bay confirms its 1st measles case in 30 years as Ontario numbers rise, health units urge vaccination
North Bay has recently reported its first case of measles since 1995, adding to the rising numbers of cases in Ontario. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit confirmed the case on Friday, emphasizing that while the risk to the public is low, they are treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
Shannon Mantha, the health unit’s executive director of clinical services and chief nursing officer, highlighted the highly contagious nature of the measles virus. She stated that the virus can spread through the air and remain on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has been in the area. The infected individual in North Bay is an unvaccinated adult who had contact with a confirmed case outside the district. Both the individual and their close contacts are currently in self-isolation to prevent further spread of the infection.
The health unit has not identified any public places where community members may have been exposed to the virus. However, the overall number of measles cases in Ontario has been on the rise this year. As of February 26, Public Health Ontario reported a total of 119 confirmed and 23 probable cases in the province, all concentrated in southern Ontario.
Health units in northern Ontario are urging people to check their vaccination status to ensure they are protected against measles. Dr. John Tuinema, acting medical officer of health in the Algoma district, emphasized the importance of high vaccination rates to build strong immunity against the virus. He encouraged unvaccinated individuals to reach out and get vaccinated to safeguard themselves and their families.
According to Health Canada, the measles vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first dose given at one year of age and the second between four and six years old. The vaccine’s efficacy ranges from 85 to 95 percent after the first dose and nearly 100 percent after the second dose. In the Algoma district, vaccination rates for seven-year-olds stand at 86.6 percent, while rates for adults over 17 are at 96.5 percent.
Dr. Tuinema stressed the importance of vaccination as a crucial preventive measure against measles. He recommended individuals unsure of their vaccination status to consult their healthcare provider or public health for guidance. Vaccination clinics are available to help connect people with vaccination services.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts acknowledged the need to further raise vaccination rates despite good coverage levels. The health unit highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine vaccinations and the importance of catching up on missed vaccinations to prevent the spread of measles.
In the Timiskaming and Porcupine districts, now part of Northeastern Public Health, vaccination rates are relatively high for both children and adults. Symptoms of measles typically appear within seven to 21 days of exposure and include a runny nose, watery eyes, cough, fever, and a rash spreading from the face to the body.
Severe complications of measles can include vision or hearing loss, infections, pneumonia, premature birth (in pregnant individuals), or, in rare cases, death. High-risk groups include children under five, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, get vaccinated, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of measles.
