Measles Outbreak in New Brunswick Sparks Concern Over Rising Cases
A measles outbreak in New Brunswick is on track to elevate Canada’s annual case count to the highest level in five years, shedding light on the highly infectious nature of the disease and the impact of low vaccination rates, according to experts.
Current Situation in New Brunswick
As of Friday, there have been 43 reported cases of measles in New Brunswick, all concentrated in health Zone 3, which encompasses Fredericton and parts of the Upper Saint John River Valley area, as confirmed by the Department of Health.
- This marks a 72 per cent increase from the initial case reported on October 24, involving an individual who had recently traveled internationally.
- All 43 cases can be linked back to the original case, as stated by department spokesperson David Kelly.
- About 84 per cent of the cases are individuals aged 19 years and under.
National Surge in Measles Cases
The New Brunswick outbreak, declared on November 1, is part of a larger national surge that has seen a total of 100 cases as of November 2. Tragically, this outbreak has claimed the life of a child under five in Hamilton, as reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- The last time Canada experienced such a high number of measles cases was in 2019, with 103 confirmed cases.
- Notably, New Brunswick is driving the surge, a departure from the usual trend of outbreaks occurring in large urban centers.
According to Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist and professor of medicine at McMaster University, the rapid spread of measles in New Brunswick underscores the vulnerability of the population, particularly children, to this highly contagious virus.
Bowdish emphasized that measles is one of the most infectious respiratory infections known, citing a case where an infected child transmitted the virus to an unvaccinated individual three gates down at an airport. The contagious nature of measles makes it a significant public health concern.
Moreover, the delayed onset of symptoms (eight to 12 days) allows individuals to unknowingly spread the virus, potentially leading to further outbreaks. Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that spreads across the body.
Challenges with Vaccination Rates
While measles is preventable through vaccination, declining vaccination rates globally have created an environment conducive to outbreaks. Dawn Bowdish highlighted the loss of faith in vaccines and the disruption of routine childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing factors to the current situation.
In New Brunswick, the latest school immunization report revealed that vaccination rates among kindergarten students have fallen slightly below the national target of 95 per cent for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Achieving herd immunity is crucial to prevent the spread of measles within communities.
Outbreaks serve as a reminder of the severity of measles, which can have serious health consequences beyond the initial infection. Complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling underscore the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against the disease.
Efforts to Combat the Outbreak
Horizon Health Network has been conducting vaccination clinics in Zone 3 to curb the spread of measles. Future clinics are scheduled at the following locations:
- Fredericton Public Health office, 300 St. Mary’s St., on November 22.
- Stanley Health Centre, 69 Limekiln Rd., on November 29.
Additionally, primary care providers and Public Health offices in New Brunswick offer the measles vaccine to eligible individuals, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in preventing infection.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in New Brunswick serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in protecting public health. With rising cases and low vaccination rates, it is imperative to prioritize immunization efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of measles?
Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that spreads across the body.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine is considered highly effective at preventing infection, with nearly 100 per cent protection when administered correctly.