Measles outbreak growing
More than half of Quebec’s confirmed measles cases are in the Laurentians, as the latest outbreak of the highly contagious illness continues to spread.
So far, of 11 cases that have been reported, six are in the same region as Kanesatake. New possible exposures have popped up in nearby municipalities such as St. Jerome, St. Eustache, Ste. Marthe sur le Lac, and others, with a list frequently updated on Quebec’s measles site.
There are currently no known cases in Kanesatake, according to Matthew Barr, community health nurse with the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC).
“For sure if a case does appear in Kanesatake, we can offer support to that family and the people around,” he said.
There is reason to believe the outbreak could continue to snowball, with the province warning that the person with the latest confirmed measles diagnosis visited the CF Carrefour Laval shopping mall on January 7 while they were contagious.
“Thus, thousands of people may have been exposed to measles,” reads a press release from the Quebec health ministry.
Those who may have come into contact with the virus, including those who were in the locations named on the Quebec site at the given times, are asked to isolate and monitor for symptoms for three weeks after possible exposure.
“If you are protected against measles, it is very unlikely that you will get the disease,” the health ministry said. “As a precaution, anyone exposed to measles is advised to watch for the following symptoms: fever, nasal congestion with runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (red, runny eyes), sensitivity to light, and general malaise. Later, redness appears on the face and then on the body.”
Children younger than one year, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications, which can be very serious and could even lead to death.
People who may have been exposed to the virus should call 811 to seek preventative treatment, the health ministry said.
Vaccination against measles is very effective and is included in the routine schedule for 12 and 18-month-olds, but community members who have not been vaccinated or are unsure can contact the KHC for more information or to seek vaccination as measles circulates.
“It’s always a good chance for the community to have the opportunity if they’re not vaccinated to get caught up,” said Barr.
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Anyone born before 1970 is considered protected against measles due to natural immunity.
Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
