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Health Officials Urge Vaccination as Measles Outbreaks Surge
As measles outbreaks are reported in various regions of Canada and the United States, health officials in British Columbia are emphasizing the importance of vaccination. They are urging residents to ensure they are fully immunized against this highly contagious virus.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry highlighted the seriousness of the situation on Friday, coinciding with the announcement of a new spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign aimed at protecting the most vulnerable individuals in the community.
“Measles is the most infectious virus that can lead to serious health issues, especially in children,” Dr. Henry stated. “Its ability to remain airborne for long periods significantly increases its transmission risk.”
The implications of measles can be severe, as it can cause complications such as encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain, and has the potential to lead to long-term health issues or even fatalities, particularly among unvaccinated children.
Currently, an ongoing outbreak in Ontario has resulted in over 570 confirmed cases and more than 40 hospitalizations, primarily involving children. Additionally, cases have been reported in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, with the majority of those affected lacking vaccination. There is also a concerning outbreak in Texas, USA, where the virus has infected over 325 individuals and claimed two lives, primarily among unvaccinated populations.
British Columbia has recorded five measles cases so far this year, all linked to international travel from regions with confirmed measles outbreaks, particularly in Southeast Asia. Dr. Henry expressed concerns that many travelers might return from spring vacations, increasing the risk of transmission.
She explained that even minuscule amounts of the virus can lead to infection in those who are not immunized, and symptoms may not appear until seven to 14 days after exposure, allowing for further spread before individuals realize they are ill. This potential for silent transmission underscores the critical need for vaccination.
The standard measles vaccination protocol involves two doses: the first usually administered shortly after a child’s first birthday and the second between ages four and six. Despite its importance, vaccination rates in British Columbia have shown a troubling decline. In 2013, approximately 91% of seven-year-olds had completed their vaccinations; however, this figure plummeted to 72.4% by 2023, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Dr. Henry voiced her concern over the misinformation surrounding the measles vaccine, emphasizing that extensive research has confirmed its safety and effectiveness. “Receiving two doses of the measles vaccine provides lifelong protection,” she noted. “It is crucial to dispel the myth that the vaccine causes autism; I assert that unequivocally,” she added. Dr. Henry also clarified that alternative treatments such as vitamin A, zinc, or cod liver oil do not prevent measles.
For individuals born before 1970, natural immunity from prior exposure usually offers protection against measles. However, those born after this year should verify their vaccination status, especially individuals born prior to 1994, who may have only received one dose of the vaccine.
Symptoms of measles typically begin with fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that emerges a few days later starting from the hairline and spreading throughout the body.
In other health news, Dr. Henry and Health Minister Josie Osborne announced that British Columbia has officially passed its peak season for respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, with a downward trend in infections. However, they continue to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors and individuals identified as clinically extremely vulnerable.
“For those at the highest risk of severe illness, an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enhance their immunity throughout the spring and summer,” Osborne remarked, adding that notifications for high-priority groups will begin on April 8. As of the latest report, approximately 40 individuals are hospitalized in the province with COVID-19, marking the lowest figures the region has seen since the summer of 2020.
Source
globalnews.ca