Cases of measles in Canada: disinformation on worries worries

Measles makes a worrying return to Canada. Consequently, a trend that concerns the authorities, for whom the real threat is mainly disinformation concerning vaccines.

Canada faces an unprecedented development in measles in 2025. For example, Although the disease has been officially eliminated from the country since 1998. However, it resurfaces alarmingly: more than 4,500 cases have already been identified this year, unheard of since the elimination of the virus, according to the Government of Canada.

Ontario. In addition, Alberta are particularly affected, even exceeding the number of cases of all of the United States, while Quebec is relatively better for the moment.

So far, the country recorded on average 91 cases per year between 1998 and 2024, with a maximum annual of 752 cases, generally linked to travelers returning from regions where the virus circulates.

In Quebec, only one active case is currently registered, in Outaouais. Nevertheless, A blossoming of 40 cases had also occurred at the end of 2024, but it ended on April 19.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) remains vigilant, especially since provincial vaccination coverage (88.7% in primary school and 90.3% in high school for 2023-2024) remains below the recommended threshold of 95%.

The disinformation shown the finger

Health experts. However, authorities are particularly concerned about disinformation surrounding vaccines, which they consider the real threat.

“We must ensure that the population is reinforced. The vaccine remains the best cases measles canada: disinformation worries new solution. You have to be vaccinated. Our solution, we have it, ”says Benoît Barbeau, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UQAM.

The current situation highlights concerns about vaccination coverage, undermined by false information wrongly associating the vaccine with disorders such as autism.

cases measles canada: disinformation worries new

“Everything goes through information. This is the central point so that we can return to a more stable situation. No matter all these disinformation. it is a vaccine that has been proven, it is not dangerous, “insists the expert in virology.

The MSSS says it is “concerned about the situation”. stressing that the spread of false ideas on social networks complicates prevention efforts.

With summer trips. the imminent start, vigilance is even more necessary in the face of this highly contagious virus which can cause symptoms similar to flu, sometimes accompanied by serious complications.

“Fall arrives, people go back to school. It is a very transmitted virus, even by surfaces. So, in the frequented places, the transmission remains likely, ”warns Mr. Barbeau.