Latest news with #SouthwesternPublicHealth
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Measles cases in Alberta nearing highest mark since 1986
A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins) Alberta is on the brink of recording its worst rate of measles in nearly four decades, with experts predicting the province will surpass that milestone soon. The province reached 809 measles cases on Monday, with 31 new cases added in the North Zone (12), Central Zone (one) and South Zone (18). Alberta last recorded more than 800 cases in 1986, with 843, according to historical data. 'We're now seeing numbers that are the worst number of infections in 39 years, and we're only about 100 cases away from the 1970s, when vaccinations were introduced,' Craig Jenne, an infectious disease expert from the University of Calgary, said. As cases continue to rise, Alberta's interim chief medical health officer is warning parents to take precautions against measles heading into the summer travel season. Dr. Sunil Sookram sent a letter to parents and guardians last week highlighting that the majority of measles cases in the province are in children under the age of 18. 'As we approach the summer months and increased travel, I want to reiterate that you can protect yourselves, your loved ones and the people around them by ensuring measles immunizations are up to date,' Sookram said in the letter. 'For those who chose not to, it's important to understand the risk of illness and transmission of measles in Alberta is now at the highest it's been in 25 years.' As of Monday, 233 cases were in children under the age of five, while 376 were in kids aged five to 17. Dr. Sidd Thakore, a pediatrician at the Alberta Children's Hospital, noted that with 579 of the province's measles cases in the south health zone, they're starting to see more severe outcomes from the illness. 'The things we generally see them for, me working in the inpatient unit, is due to breathing problems: needing oxygen, needing more breathing support,' Thakore said. 'Now we're having patients going to ICU for more significant complications, be it inflammation of the brain we worry about or having severe breathing issues and needing more significant interventions.' As of Sunday, there were five people hospitalized due to measles throughout the province, including two in intensive care. The province is highlighting its awareness campaign, 'Don't Get Measles, Get Immunized,' which will aim to inform Albertans with social media, digital, print and radio advertising. 'We will be reviewing the success of this campaign and will determine if additional advertising is needed in the future to continue to raise awareness about the importance of keeping your immunizations up to date,' an official with Primary and Preventative Health Services said in a statement.
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Don't know if you've been vaccinated against measles? Get a shot, doctors urge
Published Jun 06, 2025 • 3 minute read A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Photo by Geoff Robins / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Public health doctors say if people don't know if they've been vaccinated against measles, they should get a shot. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. People born before 1970 are presumed to have been exposed to measles and likely to have some immunity, she says. But if people were born in 1970 or later and really have no idea if they were vaccinated, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases, Tam says. The exception is pregnant women, because the MMR vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy as it contains live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. Tam says it's vital for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated ahead of time because a measles infection can cause severe complications for both the mom and baby. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She says if someone is already pregnant and thinks they might have been exposed to measles, they should talk to their health-care provider. Dr. Sarah Wilson, a physician with Public Health Ontario, says a blood test, known as serology, can be used to see if a pregnant person has antibodies to measles. 'If there is uncertainty as to whether or not they've ever had an MMR vaccine, offering serology can be helpful to understand (if) this person (is) susceptible or not, so that if they are ever exposed to measles, they can very quickly be offered something called post-exposure prophylaxis to help reduce the risk of measles,' Wilson said. But for most people who aren't sure of their vaccination status, getting a measles shot is preferable to getting a blood test to check for measles immunity, both Wilson and Tam said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That's because the time lapse between getting the test and waiting for the results is a missed opportunity to get vaccinated sooner, they said. Tam said Canada has enough MMR vaccine to meet an increased demand for the shot. As summer approaches and people prepare to travel — both within Canada and to foreign countries — making sure you get a measles shot if you're unvaccinated or unsure should be part of the plan, Tam said. 'Get ready to get vaccinated as early as possible, but I think the important point is if you really left it to the last minute, still go and get it,' she said. 'Even the last-minute immunization will offer some protection during that trip, but also it can protect you into the future.' Tam said being vaccinated against measles also helps protect others who can't be immunized, including pregnant women, children under six months old and some people who are immunocompromised. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Babies usually don't get their first dose of MMR vaccine until they're 12 months old, but public health officials have lowered the age to six months in communities where there is a measles outbreak, including in southwestern Ontario. The devastating effects of the rise of measles in that hard-hit region became clear on Thursday, when the Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced a baby who was born prematurely and infected while in the womb had died. Dr. Kieran Moore noted that the infant also faced other medical complications unrelated to the virus. Tam and Wilson both expressed their condolences to the grieving family. 'That was very sad news,' said Tam. 'I think it's telling us that we've all got to be very vigilant about measles in our communities.' Read More For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Olympics Toronto & GTA Columnists NHL Editorial Cartoons
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Measles-infected baby dies in southwestern Ontario
Ontario's Ministry of Health has announced the first recorded death of a measles patient from the current outbreak that started in October. Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health, issued a statement Thursday saying a southwestern Ontario infant has died after being born prematurely and infected with the highly contagious virus through the mother. Moore offered few other details. Southwestern Public Health, which covers Oxford and Elgin counties, confirmed the child was from a community in their coverage area. "The infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine," Moore wrote. "While measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, no further personal or medical details will be shared." The death is the first in this outbreak, which at last count, on Tuesday, included up 2,009 probable and confirmed cases since it began on Oct. 28, according to the ministry. Ontario's case numbers are the highest number reported by provincial health authorities, as you can see by hovering over each province in this map: The death announced Thursday is only the second measles-related death Ontario has seen in decades, after an unvaccinated child from Hamilton who was younger than five years old died in May 2024. Previously, Moore shared that this outbreak in Ontario was traced back to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick, and is spreading primarily in Mennonite and Amish communities where vaccination rates lag. The vast majority of those cases are in southwestern Ontario. The official case count in the current outbreak is likely lower than the actual number as many cases aren't being reported, health officials have said. Case counts have been highest in the areas covered by Southwestern Public Health, Chatham-Kent Public Health, Huron-Perth Public Health, Grand Erie Public Health and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. In May alone, 79 people were diagnosed with measles by Southwestern Public Health, which by far has the largest case count in the province. Seventy-five per cent of patients in that health unit were younger than 18. Those most at risk from the measles virus are unvaccinated children, health officials have warned throughout the outbreak. "Measles poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals and to infants in the early stages of life in particular," Moore wrote in the release Thursday. "Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk and I urge everyone, but especially those who may become pregnant, to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby. This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection." Officials in public health areas affected by the outbreak have told reporters they've poured resources into delivering that message to rural communities in different languages and through outreach to faith leaders. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones, whose response to the outbreak has been panned by opposition politicians in recent weeks, said she hopes the child's tragic death is a wake-up call. "I hope today's terrible news really refocuses people's conversations with their primary-care practitioners. Listen, this is real, this is impactful, and as we have seen this week, sometimes can lead to death," Jones told reporters. Jones also said the ministry is working hard to convince parents to vaccinate themselves and their children. She said letters have been sent to schoolchildren and their parents, and there's been ministry collaboration with health units and a "multimillion-dollar social media campaign." She also pointed to a directive the province sent to Southwestern Public Health and other health units in the fall, asking them to start offering measles vaccines to children earlier than the regular age. "You know, it's devastating when you hear about something, that we've had a measles vaccine in Canada and around the world for almost five decades, and yet we still have individuals who for many different reasons are choosing not to get vaccinated." Moore said measles is one of the most contagious diseases. Complications from infection can include pneumonia, brain swelling, premature birth and death. Those seeking vaccination are urged to contact their local health units.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Death of infant infected with measles in southwestern Ontario
An infant born prematurely with a measles infection in southwestern Ontario has died. The infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who was unvaccinated against measles, said Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore in a statement. 'This is devastating news for the community, and we offer our heartfelt thoughts to the family. We will not be sharing additional details at this time to respect the family's privacy,' said Dr. Ninh Tran, medical officer of health at Southwestern Public Health in a statement. 'This event underscores the seriousness of measles in pregnant individuals, as it can cause low birth weight for the baby, preterm birth, and miscarriage. Measles can also cause pneumonia, brain swelling and death, with infants and immunocompromised individuals especially vulnerable to these risks. The safest and most effective way to protect yourself from measles is through immunization,' said Dr. Tran.
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Measles-infected newborn baby dies in southwestern Ontario
Ontario's Ministry of Health has announced the first recorded death of a measles patient from the current outbreak that started in October. Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health, issued a statement Thursday saying a southwestern Ontario infant has died after being born prematurely and infected with the highly contagious virus through the mother. Moore offered few other details. Southwestern Public Health, which covers Oxford and Elgin counties, confirmed the child was from a community in their coverage area. "The infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine," Moore wrote. "While measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, no further personal or medical details will be shared." The death is the first in this outbreak, which at last count, on Tuesday, included up 2009 probable and confirmed cases since it began on Oct. 28, according to the ministry. It's only the second measles-related death the province has seen in decades, after an unvaccinated child from Hamilton who was younger than five years old died in May 2024. Current outbreak traced to wedding Previously, Moore shared that this outbreak in Ontario was traced back to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick, and is spreading primarily in Mennonite and Amish communities where vaccination rates lag. The vast majority of those cases are in southwestern Ontario. The official case count in the current outbreak is likely lower than the actual number as many cases aren't being reported, health officials have said. Case counts have been highest in the areas covered by Southwestern Public Health, Chatham-Kent Public Health, Huron-Perth Public Health, Grand Erie Public Health and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. In May alone, 79 people were diagnosed with measles by Southwestern Public Health, which by far has the largest case count in the province. Seventy-five per cent of patients in that health unit were younger than 18. Those most at risk from the measles virus are unvaccinated children, health officials have warned throughout the outbreak. "Measles poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals and to infants in the early stages of life in particular," Moore wrote in the release Thursday. "Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk and I urge everyone, but especially those who may become pregnant, to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby. This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection." Officials in public health areas affected by the outbreak have told reporters they've poured resources into delivering that message to rural communities in different languages and through outreach to faith leaders. Moore said measles is one of the most contagious known diseases. Complications from infection can include pneumonia, brain swelling, premature birth and death. Those seeking vaccination are urged to contact their local health units.
