Quebec calls for measles vigilance after 11th reported case

On By Littum

An 11th case of measles has been declared in Quebec, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) announced on Sunday.

The government is asking the population to be extra cautious and follow the recommendations of public health “due to the active circulation of measles in Quebec and the presence of multiple exposure environments in the Laurentians, Laval, Montreal and Montérégie regions,” the MSSS said in a press release.

The last infected person visited Carrefour Laval during the contagious period on 7 January. “Thus, thousands of people could have been exposed to measles,” the ministry stressed.

“If you or your child are among those at risk of complications and have been to one of the possible exposure sites, contact Info-Santé 811 as soon as possible to receive preventive treatment (antibody injection) assessed within the required time frame. This treatment can reduce the risk of complications from the disease,” MSSS added.

However, they said that vaccinated people are unlikely to get measles.

As a precaution, anyone exposed to measles is advised to watch for the following symptoms: fever, stuffy nose with runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, sensitivity to light and general malaise. Subsequently, redness occurs on the face and body.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It is possible to become infected without having been in direct contact with an infected person. It may be enough to have been in the same room as an infectious person, even for a short period of time.

Measles can cause serious complications, especially for children under one year, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

In rarer cases, the disease can lead to ear infections, diarrhea and pneumonia. It can also cause seizures and loss of hearing or vision.

Permanent brain damage can occur in one in 1,000 cases, according to data from the Quebec government, which reports that the disease can cause death in one in 3,000 cases.

Infected people are advised to avoid contact with others for up to four days after the rash appears, rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Places of possible exposure to measles

  • ArtMedic Clinic
  • GMF-U Herzl
  • Jewish General Hospital Microbiology-Infectious Disease Outpatient
  • Polestar
  • Imagix – Radiology Chomedey
  • Volvo Laval dealer
  • Saint-Jérôme Hospital – Emergency
  • Center d’hébergement Hubert-Maisonneuve

Several other sites of measles exposure have been identified and are available here.

—With files from The Canadian Press, first published in French and translated by CityNews