Health officials in Manitoba remain on high alert as the number of measles cases continues to grow in the province.
As of June 28th, 116 cases of measles have been identified in Manitoba with a majority of them here in Southern Manitoba.
Dr. Aly Dhala is Vice President of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health-Sante Sud. He says a majority of the cases are the result of child-related transmission.
Dr. Dhala stopped by our studios this week to raise awareness of the concerning trend.
"The measles is extremely contagious," he warned, noting the virus spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours. "A person is infectious for four days before and after the rash appears, making early spread hard to detect."
Measles can also cause serious complications, noted Dr. Dhala.
That includes:
- ear infections
- diarrhea and;
- pneumonia
In rare cases, it can also cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
Those at highest risk of contracting measles include young children, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant individuals.
"Infection during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term birth and low birth-weight babies," added Dr. Dhala.
'Vaccination is the best protection'
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR or MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six. In the case of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than four to six years of age. There is also an outbreak eligibility for some children aged six months to under 12 months. The complete eligibility criteria can be viewed here. www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.
However, some remain hesitant when it comes to vaccinations.
"The Measles is a serious but preventable illness (and) vaccination remains the only reliable way to protect yourself and others," explained Dr. Dhala. "While measures like isolation and contact tracing can help reduce spread, they can't replace immunization.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
I recognize that some people have concerns. I encourage honest conversations with trusted healthcare provides, whether it's your primary care provider or Public Health, ask questions and get facts from reputable sources."
Dr. Dhala added, protecting ourselves also protects the most vulnerable around us.
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information as necessary. The number of measles cases in Manitoba are updated weekly on the measles webpage each Wednesday.
If you may have been exposed, Dr. Dhala says to review your immunization records and, anyone who hasn't received two doses of MMR or MMRV vaccination, should contact Public Health or their family physician.
"Even if you're behind, timely vaccination can still prevent illness," he noted.
What to do if you're exposed
If you develop symptoms, stay home and call Health Links-Info Santé toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 or call your nearest emergency department. If you choose this route, Dr. Dhala says it is important to call ahead in order to reduce the spread of infection.
Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider.
With files from Jayme Giesbrecht