Measles, a disease once thought to be gone from Canada, is making a comeback. This highly contagious virus was eliminated in 1998, but now, more cases are appearing across the country. The recent rise in measles cases is a big concern for public health. It is important to understand what is happening and how to stay protected.
The current measles outbreak is affecting different parts of Canada, especially Ontario and Québec. In the past two weeks, Ontario reported 78 new cases, nearly doubling the total number of cases in the province. The outbreak, which started in the fall of 2024, has now resulted in 119 confirmed cases and 23 probable cases in Ontario. The virus has also spread to New Brunswick and Manitoba, with Québec reporting an additional 27 cases since December 2024.
Several factors have contributed to the return of measles in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, vaccination rates have dropped to 82.5%, which is below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. International travel has also played a role, as people can bring the virus back from other countries. Measles spreads very easily, and one infected person can pass it to 12–18 others who are not immune. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can stay in the air for up to two hours. A person with measles can spread it before they even show symptoms, making it hard to control.
Health experts stress that vaccination is the best way to stay protected. Dr. Sarah Khan, an infectious diseases physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital, explained why measles is so dangerous. “If you were in the same room as someone even for a very short period of time, there’s a 90 per cent chance you will get this infection if you don’t have immunity,” she said in an interview with CBC Radio. She emphasized that herd immunity needs to be above 95% to stop outbreaks. However, since Canada has fallen below that level, the disease is spreading more rapidly.
Dawn Bowdish, a professor at McMaster University, also pointed out that measles can lead to serious health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. In Ontario, 18 children have been hospitalized, none of whom were immunized. This highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing severe cases.
Many parents are worried about the outbreak. Fatima Suleman, a mother of three boys, shared her concerns, “Honestly, I’m very anxious. Measles is so contagious, and with kids going to school and daycare, I feel like it’s impossible to fully protect them.” Even though her children are vaccinated, she still worries, especially about her youngest, who is only nine months old and has not had his first dose yet. To protect her children, she avoids crowded places, ensures her older boys wash their hands, and stays updated on health alerts.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is urging all people to get their doses of vaccination in order to protect themselves and the people around them.
Be the first to comment