Measles Cases on the Rise in Canada

Measles Cases on the Rise in Canada

Measles cases in Canada are on the rise, with Ontario reporting 1,440 cases over the past eight months and Alberta seeing a significant number of cases recently. According to health officials, measles is entirely preventable through vaccination.

Historical Context

Before the measles vaccine was developed in 1954, Canada experienced a much higher incidence of the disease. In fact, as many as 400,000 cases occurred every year, resulting in an average of 30-40 deaths annually.

Importance of Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that "measles is entirely preventable through vaccination." This message highlights the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.

Risks of Measles

Children who contract measles may experience serious side effects, including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis (inflammation around the brain)

In severe cases, death can occur. It’s worth noting that vaccination not only protects against measles but also provides immunity against mumps and rubella. If children aren’t vaccinated against these diseases, they’re not protected against them either.

Impact of Vaccination

The CDC has reported that since its development in 1954, millions of lives have been saved worldwide due to the widespread use of vaccines like MMR (measles-mumps-rubella). The vaccine has been considered eliminated in Canada since 1998, after no indigenous transmission was detected between January 2000 and December 2019.

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