Health officials renew call to check vaccination status as measles cases spread worldwide
Heading into the spring and summer travel season, health officials continue to urge parents to ensure their children are up to date with measles vaccinations.
Following a fourth case of the virus reported in the province, Public Health Ontario sent a memo to all municipal health units regarding the risk of current global measles activity, and stressed the importance of routine immunization.
The last case of measles in Ottawa was back in 2019, but with the March break approaching, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is asking travellers to check up on their family's immunization records.
"At least six-weeks' time in advance of travel allows you the chance to get a vaccine if you're not up to date, while also having the time for it to achieve peak effectiveness," said Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Laura Bourns.
Dr. Bourns says the measles vaccine is between 85 and 95 per cent effective – a second dose brings it close to 100 per cent.
According to Public Health Ontario, immunization rates in children have declined below pre-pandemic levels. The 2021 to 2022 school year saw 59 per cent of seven-year-olds receiving both doses of the measles vaccine — down from the 2019-2020 school year, which saw 85 per cent coverage.
For those not immune to measles, up to 90 per cent can be infected, said Dr. Bourns.
As an airborne virus, measles can remain in the air up to two hours after an infected individual has left. It has been called one of the most transmissible diseases on the planet.
Initial symptoms of measles include:
- fever
- red watery eyes
- runny nose
- cough
- followed by a rash that starts on the face and then moves to the rest of the body
Dr. Bourns says complications can arise after the initial infection.
"That can be things like secondary bacterial infections or more permanent complications like deafness, brain damage or in some cases even death."
Those most at-risk groups are unvaccinated infants, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised.
The measles vaccine can be accessed at primary health care providers, walk-in clinics and travel clinics.
Residents can learn more about the virus at the Ottawa Public Health site.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.