Quebec could soon declare measles outbreak over after no new cases in weeks

Quebec’s Health Ministry is optimistic about declaring an end to the measles outbreak in the province, as no new cases have been reported since March 18 when the total number of infections reached 40. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and if no additional cases are reported by Saturday, which marks 32 days since the last contagious case, the outbreak will be officially declared over.

This positive development in Quebec stands in stark contrast to other parts of the country, such as Ontario and Alberta, where measles cases have been on the rise. Ontario has seen over 800 cases since the outbreak began last fall, while Alberta recorded 84 cases just this week.

The measles outbreak in Quebec originated in December 2024 when a traveller visiting the province unknowingly brought the virus with them. The majority of cases, 32 out of 40, were concentrated in the Laurentians region north of Montreal. Dr. Éric Goyer, the public health director for the Laurentians, explained that the outbreak spread within the region due to interactions at a conference in Montreal and subsequent contact with unvaccinated individuals.

In response to the outbreak, Quebec implemented measures such as a stay-at-home policy for unvaccinated students and staff in schools with confirmed cases, as well as utilizing an electronic vaccination registry to track and manage the situation effectively. These tools have proven to be instrumental in containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.

Comparatively, Ontario lacks an electronic vaccine registry, which has posed challenges in tracking and managing measles cases. Quebec’s proactive approach, including vaccination initiatives and strict policies for unvaccinated individuals, has contributed to higher vaccination coverage rates among secondary school students in the region.

Dr. Nicholas Brousseau of Quebec’s national institute of public health emphasizes the importance of vaccination coverage in preventing outbreaks. He notes that the current outbreak in Quebec did not impact highly unvaccinated communities, unlike in Ontario where specific demographics have been more vulnerable to the virus.

While Quebec has made significant progress in containing the outbreak, health officials remain vigilant, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare infrastructure may be limited. Dr. Donald Vinh highlights the challenges faced in rural regions compared to urban centers like Montreal.

In Montreal, Dr. Earl Rubin of the Montreal Children’s Hospital expresses relief that no cases have been reported during this outbreak. However, he remains cautious and acknowledges the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases.

Overall, Quebec’s proactive measures and high vaccination coverage have been instrumental in controlling the measles outbreak. By learning from past experiences and implementing effective strategies, the province has successfully navigated through this public health crisis.