Latest news with #Aloosh
CBC
17-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Health unit warns of possible surge in measles among unvaccinated people attending Easter events
The Windsor-Essex health unit is warning the public that the upcoming holiday weekend could prompt a surge in measles infections among unvaccinated people. "The most important message for our community is that if they are unprotected, get their vaccines," Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's medical officer of health, said Thursday. "If they feel any symptoms going into the long weekend, large gathering, please stay home and make sure that others are not exposed to this preventable disease," he said. WECHU said in a press release that Easter gatherings, such as church events or egg hunts, "could lead to very high transmission of the virus." The health unit has created signs that event organizers can post outside their venues. Aloosh, speaking at a press conference in Leamington, said the latest count showed 69 confirmed local measles cases — including severe ones requiring hospitalization — since the first one was reported in February. But he said the true number of infections is likely higher, since not everyone gets tested and seeks medical care. Infections have been most concentrated in the broader southwestern Ontario region – particularly among unvaccinated children — since the province's outbreak began. It's been traced to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick, per Ontario's top public health doctor. Locally, the outbreak "hasn't slowed down" in recent weeks, Aloosh said, and the majority of cases have been in Leamington and Kingsville. But he said the health unit is worried the virus could spread beyond those areas among unvaccinated people. The health unit is urging all local residents to check to see if they have been vaccinated against the virus, which is "easily spread amongst unvaccinated populations." "Getting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent serious illness and avoid hospital visits as two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 97% protection against measles," the health unit said. WATCH | Here's what you need to know about measles Here's what you need to know about measles 1 month ago Duration 2:00 As cases of measles ramp up, CBC's Jennifer La Grassa explains what you need to know to stay safe against the highly contagious respiratory illness. Typically, children receive the first dose when they are around one, with the second dose given between the ages of four and six. However, the health unit has said previously that some kids can receive the first dose starting at six months due to the current outbreak. Infants around the ages of four and five months — those who don't have any remaining immunity from their mother but are still too young to get the early vaccine — are at higher risk, Aloosh said. Parents of children that age who are attending weekend events should make sure the people they're around are vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms, he said. The WECHU also said Thursday that if a measles case is identified at a school, "any student who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine will be excluded from school for up to 21 days." "This exclusion from school applies to students with a valid immunization exemption on file," the health unit added. Aloosh said kids with exemptions are included because of the need to not just protect them, but also those around them because the vaccine is not quite 100 per cent effective, as well as those in the community who can't receive the vaccine, such as immunocompromised or pregnant people. The health unit has held vaccination clinics, in addition to recommending that people see their health care providers about getting protected. "Definitely we see that increase in uptake of the vaccine," Aloosh said. Aloosh said ending the outbreak in Windsor-Essex doesn't just depend on the health unit. "This cannot happen without [the] help of our community, and that's why we want to have this message," he said.
CBC
20-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Early measles vaccines recommended for some infants: Windsor-Essex health unit
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is now recommending that some very young children be assessed to receive a dose of the measles vaccine ahead of schedule in response to rising cases in the region. Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, the region's medical officer of health, issued an update Thursday that recommends local health care providers conduct individual risk assessments for patients between six and 12 months old who have not yet received their first measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. "Based on the level of individual risk, as assessed through the patient's likelihood of travel to areas where measles is circulating, or other high-risk activities … healthcare providers should consider administering a dose of MMR ahead of schedule," the health unit said in a statement, adding that high-risk activities could include attending large gatherings. The early dose would be additional to the two doses that children are recommended to receive between 12 and 15 months and after 18 months, the health unit says. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Droplets containing the measles virus can stay in the air for several hours, and the virus remains infectious on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. "Our region is amongst those in the province which is managing the ongoing and increasing challenges associated with measles," Aloosh said. "This updated vaccination recommendation for susceptible infants will provide an additional important level of protection." The Windsor-Essex health unit reports 17 cases of measles in the region in March and two in February. According to Public Health Ontario data, the Chatham-Kent health unit has had 20 cases of the virus since Ontario's measles outbreak began in late October. Parents and caregivers should contact their child's health care provider for more information about early vaccination. Cases in Ontario are on the rise, according to Public Health Ontario: There have been 470 cases across the province, an increase of 120 cases since just March 14. Nearly half of those cases are in nearby Elgin and Oxford counties and the city of St. Thomas, all covered by Southwestern Public Health. That health unit reports 228 cases, primarily in unvaccinated children. That's the most of any Ontario health unit. Southwestern Public Health medical officer of health Dr. Ninh Tran debunked misinformation in the community that catching measles leads to total immunity. "While getting measles can result in natural immunity, being infected with measles carries significant health risks, including pneumonia, brain infections and brain swelling," Tran said, adding that it can also come with significant complications like low birth weight and miscarriage for people who are pregnant. The Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent health units are tracking measles exposures in the community, and advising residents who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their primary care providers.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Case of measles confirmed at Essex County private school, says health unit
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) says lab tests confirm a person who attends Cornerstone Christian Academy in the community of Ruthven has the measles. It's believed the exposure took place some time between February 21 to February 28. Families of students who attend the school are required to contact the health unit on Wednesday and isolate the students. "The health unit is working closely in collaboration with school administration to identify potential exposures and provide guidance to school personnel and families," WECHU said in a statement issued around 10 p.m. Tuesday. It went on to say additional exposures are also being investigated — and that WECHU is connecting with hospitals for direction if people are required to attend an emergency department. "An update to this statement will be provided as soon as possible with further information in this regard." Earlier on Tuesday, the medical officer of health in Windsor-Essex told CBC News despite there not being a single reported local case of measles at that time, it was inevitable the disease will show up. "It's a matter of time," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh. "It's a matter if the disease can find its way among those groups that are unvaccinated." Ontario has seen a sharp uptick in cases of measles in recent weeks. So much so, health officials are calling it the largest outbreak in the province in the past 30 years. "It was not that much of a surprise seeing the trends," said Aloosh. "You know that the disease is coming, it's not whether they're coming, it's about when they're coming to our region." The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued a letter to families with children attending school, referring to an "increase" in measles activity in the area. It's entitled "Stay Safe this March Break." Nine-year-old Jexer Brayan receives a MMR vaccine, which protects against contracting the disease measles. (Annie Rice/Shutterstock) Aloosh says until more recently, cases have typically been linked to international travel. However, that now includes local travel too. "Travel puts you at risk. Anyone who has not had measles or has not been completely vaccinated against measles can become sick." According to Aloosh, the primary reason for the uptick in cases is the world being behind in vaccinating children for different diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. WATCH | Once declared eradicated, measles is surging in parts of Canada: Infants under 12 months of age, children, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system who have not been vaccinated against measles are at greater risk, according to the health unit. The virus is considered a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. It spreads easily in the air when someone who is infected coughs, talks or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can persist in a closed space for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread by direct contact with mucus or saliva — from kissing or sharing food or drinks. Child with measles. (imageBROKER/Shutterstock) Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to an infected person. They include a fever, funny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. A red rash appears on the face three to seven days after the start of the other symptoms. The rash then progresses across the body. WECHU says the best way to stop the spread of an active case of measles is by staying home in isolation. Vaccines are also strongly recommended. In Ontario, two doses of measles vaccine are routinely given to children who are one and between four and six years old. The health unit say it's important to ensure immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally and even domestically. The measles vaccine is free and offers roughly 95 per cent protection, according to Aloosh.
CBC
04-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
'A matter of time' before measles pop up in Windsor-Essex, says top health official
The medical officer of health in Windsor-Essex says despite there not being a single reported local case of measles, it's inevitable the disease will show up. "It's a matter of time," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh. "It's a matter if the disease can find its way among those groups that are unvaccinated." Ontario has seen a sharp uptick in cases of measles in recent weeks. So much so, health officials are calling it the largest outbreak in the province in the past 30 years. "It was not that much of a surprise seeing the trends," said Aloosh. "You know that the disease is coming, it's not whether they're coming, it's about when they're coming to our region." The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued a letter to families with children attending school, referring to an "increase" in measles activity in the area. It's entitled "Stay Safe this March Break." Aloosh says until more recently, cases have typically been linked to international travel. However, that now includes local travel too. "Travel puts you at risk. Anyone who has not had measles or has not been completely vaccinated against measles can become sick." According to Aloosh, the primary reason for the uptick in cases is the world being behind in vaccinating children for different diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. WATCH | Once declared eradicated, measles is surging in parts of Canada: Once declared eradicated, measles is surging in parts of Canada 7 days ago Duration 2:05 Infants under 12 months of age, children, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system who have not been vaccinated against measles are at greater risk, according to the health unit. The virus is considered a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. It spreads easily in the air when someone who is infected coughs, talks or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can persist in a closed space for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread by direct contact with mucus or saliva — from kissing or sharing food or drinks. Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to an infected person. They include a fever, funny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. A red rash appears on the face three to seven days after the start of the other symptoms. The rash then progresses across the body. WECHU says the best way to stop the spread of an active case of measles is by staying home in isolation. Vaccines are also strongly recommended. In Ontario, two doses of measles vaccine are routinely given to children who are one and between four and six years old. The health unit say it's important to ensure immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally and even domestically.
