Four measles cases were confirmed in Toronto at the beginning of February. They involved two young children and two parents from different families. There is no known connection between the cases, and a source for the outbreak has yet to be identified. This news comes on the heels of over 100 reported cases in the U.S. in January across 14 states. The American cases have largely been traced to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Canadian public health officials are concerned the Toronto cases could be the start of an outbreak.
Voluntary Vaccinations
Vaccinations for Canadian school age children are voluntary everywhere but Ontario and New Brunswick. In those two provinces, parents are required to provide proof their kids have received the necessary shots in order to attend school. However, there is a way around the system if you have a religious, philosophical or medical objection. Parents can fill out a form, sign an affidavit and legally exempt their children from vaccination. In the event of an outbreak, non-vaccinated students may be required to stay home or be quarantined.
How Contagious Is Measles?
Measles is an extremely contagious, airborne disease. It is easily transmitted by coughing and sneezing, and the virus can remain infectious for up to two hours in the air or on a contaminated surface. Nine out of ten times when people who don’t have immunity are exposed to the disease, they will contract it. By comparison, Ebola, which is much deadlier than measles, is nowhere near as infectious. It is easier to catch the common cold than Ebola.
Symptoms
Measles has a 10 to 14 day incubation period when no symptoms are present. When they do show up, they include the following and may persist for several days:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Red eyes
After that, a red rash of bumps appears. It typically starts on the face and over several days spreads down the arms, chest and legs. During this phase, people who have measles may experience fevers as high as 40-41 Celsius (104 -105 Fahrenheit).
For more information about Measles, vaccines, and how it all affects you, check out this helpful infographic (Source: Masters in Public Health Online)
A Deadly Disease
Measles is very serious, and unvaccinated young children are at particular risk for contracting the disease. Diarrhea, dehydration, blindness and swelling in the brain are some of the most severe complications. While there has been a safe, effective vaccine available for a number of years, there were 145,700 people who died from measles in 2013. Prior to 1980, when widespread vaccinations began, approximately 2.6 million people died per year. Most of the deaths were children under the age of five who lived in developing countries.
One reason children are more vulnerable to the disease, even in western countries, is they don’t typically receive their first measles vaccination until they are 12 to 15 months old. The second dose is administered when they are between four and six. The series of two shots are usually for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Treatment
No prescription medication is available for the treatment of measles. The best way to help someone get better is by keeping them well hydrated and properly nourished. Over-the-counter medicine may provide some relief from fever and muscle aches. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an ear infection or pneumonia that may accompany a case of measles. The disease may more severely affect people who have low levels of vitamin A, and sometimes vitamin A will be given to help lessen the impact of the disease. A case of the measles typically runs its course in two to three weeks. Once someone recovers, they are immune from the disease.
Measles can be very dangerous and rapidly spread among people who are unvaccinated. Hopefully, the cases in Canada and the United States can be contained and not result in a widespread outbreak across North America.
