viruses

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – According to the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands Public Health Department there is currently a moderate number of respiratory virus cases in the Gaspé Peninsula, which is comparable to last year. 

Following the holiday season, a time which is conducive to the spread of viruses, many people posted on social media about having contracted a virus. 

“The data we have indicates that we are in it (flu season). It is a fairly normal season,” says the interim Public Health director, Dr. Christine Dufour Turbis. 

It is difficult to have an accurate picture since people who have mild symptoms do not seek medical attention. However, “the number of calls for flu-like symptoms to the 811 service is not very high,” says the specialist. 

COVID-19 in the region has stabilized after a surge in September. “There was more COVID in September. It is decreasing and has been stable for a few weeks in the region. There are a few outbreaks in some CISSS establishments, but it is quite stable,” comments Dr. Dufour Turbis. 

The influenza virus arrived in mid-December. “Currently, it is increasing. We have a rate comparable to a regular season. The 2024-2025 season does not stand out compared to other seasons for the moment,” she says. 

Dr. Dufour Turbis anticipates an upcoming wave, as the virus is present in other parts of Quebec. “We feel that it is coming,” she warns. 

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also made its appearance in early December, primarily affecting very young children. 

Whooping cough, which is bacterial, is on the decline after a highly active 2024. “Since the start of the school year, it has been decreasing. I know there were a few cases during the holiday season, but the last news is that it was decreasing. But the disease is still present in the region,” states Dr. Dufour Turbis. 

Meanwhile, although measles has made a comeback in Quebec it is currently not in the Gaspé Peninsula. 

A provincial monitoring effort has been reintroduced. 

“In the region, we have good vaccination coverage. It is a strength of the region. We have a vaccine that protects individuals well against measles. We are preparing regionally but for the moment, we are not affected at all, nor by the wave that hit elsewhere in 2024 in Quebec,” she emphasizes. 

Vaccination campaigns against influenza and COVID-19 are ongoing. Even late, the vaccine remains effective. “The people we are targeting are those who have risk factors. Everyone can get vaccinated. These viruses mutate and we will not be able to eliminate them through vaccination. The goal of vaccination is to prevent complications of the disease and deaths in people at risk,” explains the doctor, who reminds us that if people have any symptoms of the flu, it is better to stay home or wear a mask in public places.