Ontario measles cases up by 140 this week, province’s top doctor says
The measles outbreak in Ontario has seen a significant increase this week, with a total of 1,383 cases reported, according to Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer of health. Out of these cases, 98 individuals have been hospitalized, marking a rise of 14 hospitalizations from the previous week’s numbers.
The majority of measles cases are concentrated in southwest Ontario, particularly in farming and rural communities. To address the issue, local health units have been working diligently to translate materials into Low German, the primary language spoken in these communities, in order to educate residents about measles symptoms and the importance of vaccination.
Dr. Moore emphasized the challenges of controlling the spread of measles in communities with low vaccination rates. He commended the efforts of health units in keeping the infection numbers relatively low, considering the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Community leaders and local press have been instrumental in disseminating information about measles prevention and vaccination. Dr. Moore acknowledged that factors such as distrust of the government and a preference for independent decision-making may contribute to low vaccination rates in certain communities. He stressed the importance of supporting these communities and providing them with accurate information about the benefits of vaccination.
The recent measles outbreak was linked to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick, highlighting the ease with which the virus can spread among unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Moore emphasized the importance of getting at least one dose of the measles vaccine, with two doses being preferred, especially for children.
Measles is primarily spreading in social environments and family gatherings, rather than in schools. Dr. Moore urged all residents of Ontario to prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others from the disease.
The measles vaccine is available in Ontario as the MMR and MMRV vaccines, both of which offer over 97% protection against measles over a lifetime. Dr. Moore noted that the virus typically peaks in late winter and spring, but emphasized the importance of maintaining high levels of immunization throughout the year.
As summer approaches, Dr. Moore expressed hope that the number of measles cases will decrease, but emphasized the need to remain vigilant against the disease. Continued efforts to promote vaccination and educate the public are essential in combating the spread of measles in Ontario.
