Check measles vaccine record, top doc says

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This article was published 08/03/2024 (622 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans are being urged to check their immunization status amid a global rise in measles cases and reports of the highly contagious disease being detected in neighbouring provinces.

As of Friday, Manitoba public health reported no confirmed or probable measles cases in the province. The airborne virus causes a red, blotchy rash, which often starts on the face, and can lead to serious illness and even death.

“We see this increase in transmission of measles throughout the world and now in some places in Canada, largely related to a decrease of vaccine uptake over time,” chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said.

“This is a reminder to Manitobans to be up to date on their vaccines.”

Public health officials are encouraging all Manitobans to review their vaccine records to ensure they are protected, particularly if they have upcoming travel plans.

Ontario and Saskatchewan have confirmed active cases of measles as per data from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Seven active cases were confirmed in Canada as of March 7: two in Quebec, four in Ontario, and one in Saskatchewan.

Measles was eliminated in Canada in 1998 and the last endemic case (defined as uninterrupted community spread for 12 months or more) was reported in 1997. However, the virus continues to spread in other parts of the world and can be imported into the country.

Manitoba last reported a single measles case in 2019 after having two infections in 2018 and two in 2015. Ten years ago, the province reported nine cases, including an eight-person outbreak in 2014.

Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. The disease can be especially serious for young children and result in lung and brain infections.

Public health issued a letter to clinicians last week asking them to be on the lookout for measles infections and to check the vaccination status of their patients. The province is also sending reminders to families whose children may be behind on routine immunizations.

About 80 per cent of Manitoba children have received one dose of the measles vaccine by age two and nearly 75 per cent have received the second dose by age seven. Vaccine coverage rates increase to 88 per cent for people aged 17.

Roussin said families should ensure children are up to date on their vaccines and people considering travelling to areas where measles is spreading should talk to their doctor to find out if vaccination is recommended.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has advised that all eligible people be vaccinated with two doses of a measles vaccine, especially before travelling. The two-dose vaccine series was implemented in Canada between 1996 and 1997.

The province is also offering one dose of a measles vaccine to infants older than six months but less than one year old, if they are travelling to country where the virus is spreading. The shot is in addition to the two doses offered starting at 12 months.

Generally, people born before 1970 are considered immune to measles, Roussin said. However, if travelling to an area with measles, they should speak to a doctor about getting a dose, he said.

For people born after 1970 who are unsure about their immunization history, it’s best to speak to a health care provider, Roussin said. Clinicians can also order blood work to confirm whether their vaccinated patient continues to be immune to the disease, he said.

“For the most part, we’re certainly not advising all Manitobans… go get a blood test for it. Think about if you’ve been vaccinated in the past, if you’ve received a letter from us about your child needing to get them updated, then follow through with that,” he said.

“If you’re not sure, and concerned, then certainly follow up with your doc. They may feel in the circumstances testing is appropriate. They may think that just providing the vaccine is appropriate,” Roussin said.

Manitobans can request immunization records dating back to 1988 through their local regional public health office, health care provider, or by filling out a form on the Manitoba government website.

Doctors Manitoba spokesman Keir Johnson said physicians’ offices are fielding increased calls from patients about measles vaccination and immunization status.

“This is a positive sign as doctors want to support Manitobans in getting up to date with a critical vaccine like this,” Johnson said. “However, we would like to see this information easily accessible for patients and parents, as it was for COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Roussin said regional health authorities are the lead organizations that promote and offer measles vaccination in their communities, building on post-pandemic efforts to increase uptake of routine shots.

Any confirmed cases will be announced publicly except in circumstances that would restrict disclosures, he said. Manitobans should be prepared for the virus to land in the province, he said.

“We’re certainly preparing for it, certainly doing what we can to prevent it,” he said. “In pre-pandemic years, we saw significant cases still in Canada, most of them related to travel.

“We’ve had years with many more cases than the seven that are reported right now in Canada.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca