Ontario summer camps are rushing to put preventative measures in place as a wave of measles cases continues to sweep across the province. With over 1,600 confirmed cases since October, including 182 new cases reported in just the past week, the risk of widespread transmission is prompting camp directors to request proof of measles immunization from parents. Public health officials have increasingly expressed concern that without these measures the virus, highly contagious and deadly, could spread for a year or more before it is contained.
Dr. Alon Vaisman is an infectious diseases and infection control physician. Here, he explains how these camps can play a major role in the spread of measles. That’s a concern, because camps risk creating a large outbreak if measles were to appear. In fact, more than three-quarters of the reported cases are among unvaccinated children, infants, and teenagers. This underscores the critical importance of camps keeping their participants safe.
Under provincial law, if a measles case is confirmed, then unvaccinated people must isolate for 21 days thereafter. This is true in any environment including when it comes to camps. This new regulatory burden places even more scrutiny on camp administrators to ensure vaccination status is confirmed before the summer season kicks off.
Jack Goodman, owner and director of Camp New Moon, deeply invested in his families and staff. He’s advising them on how to get proof of vaccination and how to submit it. He understands that not all staff are aware of where they have to go to obtain their vaccination status. This is doubly so for those who are literally just 18! “It’s important to make those communications so they’re judgment-free,” he noted. Goodman further stresses the importance of engaging in open discussions with parents, especially many that choose to not vaccinate their children.
“It’s up to the camps to communicate with the parents who purposefully have not vaccinated their children and let them understand that that’s their choice,” Goodman continued. They deserve better than to be manipulated. They deserve the right to choose. They need to be clear about what it means if a case of measles appears at the camp.
Like so many other businesses and enterprises, camps are continuing to grapple with the economic effects of the pandemic. This has understandably put them on higher alert for outbreaks that would lead to more closures. Goodman expressed a desire for camp operators to feel secure that they won’t be forced to shut down over unforeseen circumstances linked to vaccination statuses. He said we want encampments to be safe spaces. They shouldn’t have to fear that regardless of any ill-timed stroke of misfortune they will be shuttered.
Camps all over Ontario are urgently communicating with parents amidst an outbreak of measles disease and exposed cases. Lastly, they address how to ensure campers and staff are able to provide documentation of immunization. This is particularly critical for maintaining a safe environment. Vaisman emphasizes that although it may be more difficult, ensuring counselors and staff are fully vaccinated is just as critical to stopping outbreaks.
Health officials believe that early communication and clear protocols can help mitigate the risks associated with measles transmission at camps. As parents navigate this challenging situation, camp leaders remain committed to protecting their communities while fostering understanding regarding health regulations.
