Public health officials in Ottawa are on high alert after a person infected with measles walked through The Ottawa Hospital. Health officials have warned about potential exposures. This case is symptomatic of a broader trend. Canada is currently experiencing a measles epidemic, driven in part by a drop in vaccination uptake. Alberta and Ontario, in particular, have experienced serious outbreaks this year, alarming public health officials.
Canada used to be a poster child for measles elimination in the 1990s, when vaccination coverage levels were high nationwide. In the past few weeks, Alberta has seen dozens of new cases each week. Ontario had much bigger outbreaks in its southwest, but they’ve had a real turnaround lately. Both provinces are in the midst of historically unprecedented measles outbreaks mostly affecting the unimmunized.
The person who visited The Ottawa Hospital is thought to have acquired their measles infection while travelling in Western Canada. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is proactively working due to the exposure. They recommend that anyone who was at these places on these dates should monitor their health for symptoms for the next 21 days.
Public Health Response
Michaela Schreiter, a spokesperson for The Ottawa Hospital, stressed the hospital’s dedication to upholding health and safety protocols.
“The Ottawa Hospital works closely with Ottawa Public Health to determine if individuals who may have been exposed have immunity to the virus and, if not, which further steps are required.” – Michaela Schreiter
The hospital implements strict infection prevention and control precautions as soon as a measles case is notified. Schreiter pointed out that the risk to the broader public from this occurrence is minimal. He stressed that, as of today, there is no evidence of local measles transmission in Ottawa.
Hospitals across the city have been vigilant in monitoring for potential measles cases during the ongoing outbreaks in Alberta and Ontario. The empowering partnership among local hospitals and public health officials is key in preventing further spread of the virus.
Vigilance in the Community
Ottawa Public Health is in the process of trying to reach anyone who might have had contact with the diagnosed individual. Schreiter praised the hospital’s excellent partnership and collaboration with OPH. Together, they are ensuring that all those who might have been exposed receive rapid information and recommendations to protect their health.
“We are working closely with Ottawa Public Health to reach anyone else directly who may have been exposed while in our emergency department.” – Michaela Schreiter
We continue to urge residents to be especially mindful about their vaccination status and any health symptoms. Community members should know the symptoms of measles. With cases spiking across the rest of Canada, ensuring the support delivers is vital.
