Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, has expressed concern over the rise in locally transmitted measles cases and its spread in Ontario and Quebec. She stated that most of the recent measles cases in Canada involve unvaccinated individuals, including many children and infants under one year old.
Dr. Tam noted that many of the recent cases have been linked to contact with other measles patients within Canada, rather than international travel, which is typically the primary source of infection.
As of January 11, Health Canada has reported eight confirmed cases. However, local public health units have recently reported a higher number of cases. Ontario’s public health department has recorded 38 measles cases, including 12 confirmed cases and 26 suspected cases, as of January 15. Some of these individuals have a history of travel to New Brunswick.
On Wednesday, the Grand Erie Public Health Unit also reported a new case of measles. The affected child is recovering at home.
As of Tuesday, Quebec health officials reported 16 measles cases. Dr. Tam warned that measles spreads rapidly, and 90% of unvaccinated individuals or those who have never had the disease could become infected if exposed to an infected person.
Measles is an airborne disease, and while rare, it can sometimes cause severe respiratory complications, brain inflammation, and, in extreme cases, death.
