As of June 14, Health Canada reported a concerning total of 3,381 measles cases across the country since the beginning of the year. Infections are increasing at a wildly alarming pace. Public health authorities are increasing their efforts to raise vaccination rates, targeting provinces with the most cases.
Ontario and Alberta have become the epicenter of this outbreak. Collectively, those two groups account for 93 percent of all reported cases. Ontario wasn’t even close – actually reported cases were 2,186 but Alberta was a distant second with just 961 cases. The outbreak has sent health officials into a tizzy with Ontario reporting its first measles-related death, June 5. The kind of tragic case we saw with a preterm infant, likely infected with the virus in an unvaccinated mother’s womb.
Measles had previously been known as one of the most contagious viruses and as a vaccine-preventable disease. Medical professionals remind us that measles vaccination is the best way—almost 100 percent effective—to prevent illness. This could show up as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Once the fever begins, a characteristic, blotchy red rash usually develops in a few days (3-7 days).
The demographic trend of measles infections indicates that 46 percent of cases have occurred among individuals aged 5 to 17, while those between 18 and 54 represent 27 percent. These data highlight the importance of targeted childhood and adult vaccination campaigns.
British Columbia Premier David Eby has taken issue with the effects of the outbreak. He cited the “recklessness” of anti-vaccination politicians as a major contributor to the surge in cases. He called on Americans to stop treating vaccination status as a “cheap parlor game.”
“I will encourage all British Columbians to ensure that they are vaccinated,” – British Columbia Premier David Eby
Eby expanded on his concerns about what the outcome will be if people in Washington State don’t start getting vaccinated.
“Measles is no joke. It kills kids. It’s a preventable disease, and we don’t want that to be the story of the summer for our province.” – British Columbia Premier David Eby
Provincial governments are already moving through the crisis in public health. In addition, are underscoring the urgent need for unprotected persons to be vaccinated with measles vaccine {link} Health officials are rightly more concerned with going on the offensive to stop the spread of this entirely preventable disease. They’re doing dangerous work every day to serve and protect communities from coast to coast.
