2024-03-14 16:49:29
Measles is circulating in Quebec. At the time of writing, 17 cases have been recorded in the province, but none in Montérégie.
“The number is changing quickly because measles is a very contagious disease,” said resident doctor Camille Guillot in an interview.
Last Friday, we learned that public health will deploy a vaccination campaign in schools, including some in Montreal where less than half of young people are immunized against the disease.
Measles is one of the diseases in Quebec’s vaccination schedule. Children receive one dose at 12 months of age and another at 18 months. “This is the most effective measure to stop the transmission of the virus from one person to another,” says Camille Guillot.
On the decline
However, since the pandemic, vaccination rates have been declining in Quebec and Canada. A situation that is observed not only in the country, but also globally. “Susceptible individuals, who are not protected against the measles virus, can develop the disease,” argues Ms. Guillot, who cites various reasons to explain this reduction in vaccination rates. “There is a climate of hesitancy towards vaccination, people who are anti-vax, but that does not matter for the majority of people who are not going to get vaccinated. There are organizational, cultural, personal reasons…”
In Quebec, since the beginning of 2024, several cases of measles have been reported. The cases acquired their illness during travel to a country where measles is circulating. However, other cases relate to infection in Quebec. “The situation is evolving. With more cases in Canada, we saw that there could be community circulation, even in Quebec,” specifies the resident doctor.
“A very contagious disease. » – Camille Guillot
The virus travels through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. “It is transmitted by droplets. »
Symptoms
The symptoms of measles are similar, at the start of the illness, to those of the flu or the common cold, i.e. sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever… “What distinguishes measles is is a rash that begins within four days of the onset of initial symptoms,” she explains.
The rash, small spots, starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. “It’s quite characteristic. Otherwise, with measles, you can also get conjunctivitis. Affected eyes turn red. »
Due to complications, more severe cases of measles can affect the lungs or brain, causing pneumonia or encephalitis.
Vaccination
Vaccination remains the best way to protect against measles. It is possible to make an appointment on the Clic Santé website, which was set up during the pandemic, or by calling 1 877 644-4545. There is a vaccination center in Chambly, as well as local service points in Beloeil and Longueuil, among others.
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