Measles exposure in region

More than 10 locations in the Laurentians have been flagged for potential measles exposure, with residents who were present at these sites during specified periods asked to monitor symptoms for three weeks following a possible contact.

As of Thursday morning, these locations include EXO bus lines, hospital emergency rooms in St. Jerome and St. Eustache, SQDC stores, a Metro grocery store in Ste. Marthe sur le Lac, and a Couche Tard in Two Mountains. All of these exposures fall within December 24-28, with monitoring finishing in the latest case on January 18.

A full list of locations, dates, and times of possible exposure can be found on Quebec’s measles outbreak website.

No cases have been reported in Kanesatake, according to Camille Nadeau, maternal and child health nurse at the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC).

Vaccination is effective against measles and is included in routine 12-month and 18-month vaccinations for children. Those uncertain of their vaccination status or who wish to discuss the possibility of being vaccinated if they have not been immunized can contact the KHC.

“If ever people are concerned or worried or unsure, they can always give us as call. We’re here for that,” said Nadeau.

Vaccinations can even be effective after a measles exposure if immunization is administered within 72 hours, Nadeau said.

It’s important to note that while in some people the symptoms may be bearable, the highly contagious virus can be catastrophic in other cases, particularly for those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include blindness and permanent brain damage.

“It could cause a lot of symptoms, and it could even lead up to death in some cases,” said Nadeau. Measles infection leads to death in about one in 3,000 cases, according to Quebec’s measles website.

Young children, elderly people, and pregnant women are among those who are particularly at risk of complications, Nadeau said.

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter