PHAC: Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease
Feb. 05, 2025
Global Korean Post
–
Canada is currently experiencing an increase in measles activity, with recent cases reported in Quebec and Ontario that are associated with ongoing outbreaks.
The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada is concerned on Measles and the Risk to Canadians. She said on the statement on January 29 that vaccination rates for measles among children are not high enough in some areas of Canada to prevent the spread of measles.
While international travel was the initial source of these outbreaks, all the people with recent measles infections were exposed to the virus in Canada. The majority of measles cases reported in Canada occur among unvaccinated people, many of whom are children, including infants under one who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that can lead to serious health complications. Severe complications, while rare, include respiratory failure, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.
Measles can spread very quickly—90% of people who are not vaccinated or haven’t had measles before can become infected if they are near someone with the disease.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Measles vaccines are tested and effective at protecting you and others from serious illness. Parents and caregivers should make sure that children are up to date with their measles vaccines according to their local routine vaccination schedules. If an adult or a child in their care has missed any doses of the vaccine or are unsure if vaccines are up to date, it is very important to contact their healthcare provider or local public health department. There are enough measles-containing vaccines in Canada for those who need them.
Having two doses of a measles-containing vaccine greatly reduces your risk of catching the disease. These two doses are nearly 100% effective and are recommended for children, teens and some adults across Canada. This high level of effectiveness demonstrates the importance of measles vaccination. Globally, measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine that we have in our routine vaccination programs today. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 60 million children’s lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000.
