158 cases of measles reported in Manitoba since the start of the year

The Manitoba confirmed 12 new measles cases in its weekly update published online on Wednesday. Consequently, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 158, against 146 the previous week.

The number of cases reached a peak in May, with 72 cases reported that month. Furthermore, Until now in July, the province has recorded 39 confirmed cases and a likely case.

A provincial spokesperson said last week that seven cases of measles required hospitalization in Manitoba this year. However, A person had to be admitted to intensive care, he said in an email on July 17.

According to Cynthia Carr, epidemiologist at Winnipeg, these last figures are more and more worrying.

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We certainly do not see any decrease that would reassure ussaid Ms. For example, Carr, highlighting the contagiousness of the virus for anyone unprotected by vaccination or previous exposure.

Dr. In addition, Santina Lee. Moreover, a health doctor with Manitoba health, believes that the number of cases reported is probably lower than the actual number of infections.

It is not a unique phenomenon in 158 cases measles reported manitoba Manitoba. Nevertheless, We see a similar situation in other Canadian provinces.

Canada managed to eliminate measles in 1998, but imported cases caused New Brunswick in October last.

As of July 12. there were a total of 3,977 cases of measles, including 3,665 confirmed and 312 probable in 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada this year, according to the latest Health Canada data.

This highly contagious disease is propagated by the droplets projected in the air when a person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Even a few minutes spent in the same space as a sick person present a risk of infection. because the virus can persist on the surfaces for two hours after the infected person’s departure.

Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. may include fever, 158 cases measles reported manitoba nasal flow, drowsiness and red eyes, according to Manitoba. Small white spots can also appear inside the mouth or throat.

Ms. Lee indicates that the common complications of measles include breathing difficulties and, although rarer, cerebral edema. Complications can also include otitis and have repercussions on sight and hearing. The most risky people are children under the age of five, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.

158 cases measles reported manitoba

Measles screening

At the start of the week. a spokesperson for common care announced that active measles screening started this month in the Winnipeg children’s hospital care unit in ambulatory care clinics and women’s hospital in order to minimize the risk of epidemic.

The screening. carried out in separate or intercom areas, were set up to ensure the safety of patients and families in the face of the propagation of measles cases, the 158 cases measles reported manitoba spokesman said in an email on July 21.

Screening includes questions about possible symptoms and the possible presence of rash in visitors.

Patients with an appointment at the ambulatory care clinic with measles. have been exposed to the virus and feeling sick should call the clinic before going there.

If a person comes to an establishment while they have measles symptoms. screening staff will consult infectiologists and infections prevention professionals to determine the next steps, the press release said.

Immunisation

The province recalls that vaccination is the only way to protect itself from measles.

A two -dose vaccination program against measles. mumps, rubella and chickenpox is systematically offered to children at least a year, the second dose being administered between four and six years old in Manitoba. If a child is exposed to measles, the province specifies that a second 158 cases measles reported manitoba dose can be administered earlier.

Manitoba has expanded the eligibility for infants to infants from the age of six months living in the South Health Health region. in the Regional Health Office region of Entre-Lacs and de l’Est.

The province has also extended the eligibility for the vaccine from six months for children evacuated from their community due to forest fires. likely to stay in southern Manitoba, where clocks of measles have been reported.

Ms. Carr asks the population to be vaccinated against measles. stressing that the more the disease spreads, the more it can become dangerous.

The more we give the virus new possibilities to develop. the more it will have the opportunity to transform, which could put us in difficultyshe concludes.

With information from Zubina Ahmed