Measles | A large number of cases in Canada, Quebec spared

There has never been so many measles in Canada in almost 35 years. For the moment, Quebec is spared. But with the return of holidaymakers, tourists visiting and the start of the school year to come, nothing is won, according to experts.

Measles are spreading in the country this summer, especially in Alberta. The Western Canadian province now has more cases than the United States (1757 against 1356 south of the border, according to the latest available data).

In Quebec, the last case of measles dates back to March 18. No other infection has been reported since, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).

In July, Canada was one of the ten countries around the world with the most measles. However, the disease had been declared eradicated in 1998 to the country.

“It’s really surprising that we don’t have one,” says the D^r Paul the warrior, doctor at the Regional Directorate of Public Health (DRSP) in Montreal. “We are very happy. We especially monitor what is happening in other provinces. »»

This is only a matter of time before a new case is declared in Quebec, according to the D^r Brian Ward, microbiologist-infectiologist and senior scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center.

“We know very well that this summer, Canadians take their vacation in Canada instead of going to the United States,” he said. So, for me, it’s inevitable, it will start again. »»

Too low vaccination rate

It remains to be seen when. Certainly, the measles vaccination rates are too low in Quebec to avoid any transmission, say experts.

It takes a 95 % vaccine coverage to stop the propagation of the disease. However, the MSSS reports that 88.7 % of primary level students are adequately vaccinated, according to the most recent data available. This percentage amounts to 90.3 % in those in secondary school. In Montreal, these rates are 82.1 % and 83 % respectively.

Children have postponed or missed a dose of vaccine during the Cavid-19 pandemic. Parents also hesitate to have them vaccinated. The D^r Ward deplores that false information is circulating online about the measles vaccine. According to him, the American secretary for health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., contributes to fueling skepticism because of his questioning of vaccines.

“It is very difficult, in this environment, to push people who have hesitations to vaccines,” he notes.

The vaccine is sure, however, repeat the authorities. “Its efficiency rate exceeds 99 % after two doses,” said the D^r The warrior.

The doctor recalls that measles is “not a small cold”. Complications can occur, such as pneumonia and, rarely, encephalitis (inflammation and brain swelling).

“Those who survive intense measles can have long -term complications such as blindness, deafness or intellectual handicap,” said the D^r The warrior. It’s not common, but it happens. »»