Measles

Ottawa measles outbreak may have spread to Gatineau

Local Journalism Initiative / The Low Down / May 7, 2025 / CISSS de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), CISSSO, Gatineau, Measles

By Trevor Greenway

The region’s health authority is warning residents to be vigilant about measles, as an outbreak that started in Ottawa may have spread to Gatineau two weekends ago.

Although transmission of the virus is low in outdoor settings, CISSS de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), is warning residents who were at the Éco des champs farm, located at 482 Earley Rd. in Gatineau on the morning of April 20, to monitor for symptoms and to ensure they are protected from the virus.

“Since the start of the measles outbreak in Quebec and Ontario, no cases of measles have been confirmed in the Outaouais region,” wrote CISSSO in a recent press release. “We remind the public that, although the outbreak is over in Quebec, measles cases can occur, and it is important to ensure that you are protected.”

CISSSO said that the majority of people who were at the Gatineau eco farm have already been contacted, however for those who have not, the health agency is recommending they confirm vaccination records for their children and themselves.

You are considered protected against measles if:

you have received two doses of the measles vaccine (first dose after one year of age and second dose at 18 months, or with four weeks between doses);
you were born before 1970.

If you are not protected against measles or are unsure:

make an appointment via clicsante.ca or by calling 819-776-2920 to verify your vaccination status or to receive the vaccine free of charge.

Whether you are vaccinated or not, watch for symptoms of measles until May 11:

fever of at least 101 F (38.3 C) and a cough/runny nose or conjunctivitis (red, light-sensitive eyes) and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the entire body.

If you develop the symptoms described above:

stay home;
avoid contact with babies under 12 months of age, pregnant women and people with immune system disorders.

Last week, Ottawa Public Health reported that an adult and a child from Ottawa are believed to have contracted measles while travelling abroad. Their diagnosis is the first confirmed measles case in Ottawa, as an outbreak spreads across Ontario, with more than 1,200 people affected. For more information about measles or to consult a nurse, dial 811.

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LBPSB encourages measles vaccine for students

Local Journalism Initiative / The Suburban / March 23, 2024 / accines, Lester B. Pearson school board, Measles, virus

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) sent out a letter of recommendation issued by the regional public health authority (CIUSSS), urging parents and students to be vaccinated against measles as two cases have been reported recently in Montreal. In the event of an outbreak at school, unvaccinated students may be sent home for several weeks, the letter warns.

Children are not required to be vaccinated to have access to public schools in Quebec, except in the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease in which case access to school may be denied until the outbreak subsides. For children under the age of 14, vaccines can only be administered with parental consent. Over the age of 14, the child may consent or refuse to be vaccinated, however a court order can be issued obligating them to be vaccinated if it is required for their state of health as determined by a healthcare professional.

Measles is an airborne virus that is highly contagious. According to the regional health authority, an unvaccinated person who comes into contact with an infected person has a 90% chance of catching the disease and one in 10 people with measles will require hospital care.

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Navigating the Measles Outbreak in Quebec’s Laurentides Region

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / March 22, 2024 / Laurentides, Maria Diamantis, Measles, Outbreak

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

In the wake of an escalating measles outbreak across Quebec, with potential exposure pinpointed in the Laurentides region, authorities at the Public Health Department of the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of Laurentides are calling for heightened vigilance. As of March 13, 2024, in Saint-Jérôme, the call to action includes adherence to prescribed guidelines aimed at curtailing the spread of this highly infectious disease, particularly to safeguard those at greatest risk.

Measles, recognized for its virulent spread, can precipitate severe health crises. This is especially true for vulnerable groups such as infants under a year old, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Transmission of measles does not necessarily require direct contact with an infected person; merely sharing a space with someone contagious, even briefly, can lead to infection.

The Vanguard of Defense: Vaccination

Quebec’s established vaccination protocol prescribes measles immunizations for children at 12 and 18 months. Nonetheless, a broader demographic, specifically those born after 1970 who have either not been vaccinated against measles or have not previously contracted the virus, are entitled to free vaccination.

It’s noted that individuals born prior to 1970 are generally considered immune to measles. For those interested in confirming their vaccination status or seeking additional information, resources are readily accessible through the Québec.ca/measles website or by contacting 1 877 644-4545.

Vaccination appointments can be arranged conveniently online via Clic Santé or through a dedicated phone line, 1 877 644-4545, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

Preventive Strategies to Combat Measles Spread

To preemptively combat the spread of measles, the public is advised to be alert for symptoms indicative of the disease. These include fever, nasal congestion accompanied by a runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (characterized by red, watery eyes), a heightened sensitivity to light, and a pervasive sense of malaise that soon after evolves into facial redness and subsequent bodily rash.

In the event of symptom onset, the Public Health Department stresses the importance of isolation and minimizing contact with others as essential measures. Consistent hand washing serves as a critical practice in mitigating the spread of the measles virus.

Should medical consultation become imperative, recommendations are clear: individuals should wear a mask, steer clear of public transport, and preemptively communicate their health status to medical or health service facilities prior to arrival. In instances where prior communication is not feasible, immediate disclosure upon entry is advised.

For a comprehensive overview of measles, including prevention strategies, potential exposure alerts, and recommended actions, the public is directed to Québec.ca/measles, serving as a centralized information hub in response to the ongoing outbreak.

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