Ontario public health units target measles with education, vaccination

Health officials in three Ontario hotspots for measles are working diligently to address the outbreaks through a combination of communication and vaccination efforts. Public Health Ontario recently reported a concerning spike in measles cases, with 89 new cases recorded since March 26, bringing the province’s total to 655 confirmed and probable cases for the year. These cases have been linked to a travel-related incident in New Brunswick.

According to the report, the surge in cases can be attributed to ongoing exposures and transmissions among individuals who have not been immunized against the measles virus. In response to this alarming trend, health authorities in the Southwestern Public Health region, encompassing St. Thomas, Woodstock, as well as Elgin and Oxford counties, are ramping up vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations. Dr. Ninh Tran, the region’s medical officer of health, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles, which is highly contagious.

Individuals who have never been vaccinated against measles or have only received one dose of the vaccine are considered susceptible to the disease. Dr. Tran highlighted that unlike some vaccines that aim to lessen the severity of an infection, the measles vaccine offers complete protection against the virus with two doses. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine contains a weakened form of the measles virus, providing lifelong immunity without causing serious illness in individuals with healthy immune systems.

While the reported cases of measles may be underestimated due to underreporting, health officials are actively working to contain the outbreaks. In the neighboring Grand Erie Public Health region, a vaccination clinic was organized above a hockey arena in Caledonia to provide easy access to the measles vaccine. Residents like Rachel Vaarkamp seized the opportunity to vaccinate their children, recognizing the importance of immunization in light of the local measles cases.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy is also a key focus for health officials, with efforts to provide evidence-based information to help individuals make informed decisions about vaccination. In Chatham-Kent, where four new cases have been reported, education sessions are being conducted to prevent further transmission of the virus. Participants who may have been exposed to measles are advised on quarantine measures and offered vaccination or post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infection.

Dr. Jacqueline Wong, a pediatric infectious diseases physician, emphasized the seriousness of measles and the importance of recognizing symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, and red eyes. While the number of new cases in Ontario appears to be plateauing, Wong cautions that it is too early to predict a decline in cases. Measles outbreaks have also been reported in other provinces, underscoring the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.