WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) region has been designated by the province as a risk area for measles.
Public health officials made the announcement on May 7 due to “ongoing measles circulation.”
As of May 12, there were 68 confirmed and probable cases in the WDGPH region, up from 30 three weeks prior.
“While this designation from the province highlights the overall measles risk to our community, it does not change our core guidance,” Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health, stated in the press release.
“I am strongly encouraging every person to review their measles vaccine status and – if necessary – get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Officials say those at greatest risk are individuals who have not received two doses of the vaccine.
“The risk for individuals who are fully immunized (with two doses of a vaccine) or born before 1970, is still considered very low,” the release stated.
WDGPH officials are encouraging children in the region to get vaccinated earlier than previously suggested:
– children aged six months and older can receive their first dose and should still receive two doses after their first birthday to ensure longer-term protection; and
– children who have received their first dose can receive their second dose as early as four weeks after their first dose.
“Parents and caregivers of eligible children should speak with their primary care provider or [WDGPH] about an early first or second dose of a measles vaccine,” the release stated.
Adults born after 1970 can also receive a first or second dose if they have not already received them, officials added.
At the May 7 board of health meeting, Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health, told board members that those becoming ill are unvaccinated.
“Most have made the choice not to be vaccinated and that is quite concerning,” she said.
Parents can refuse vaccines but must undergo some schooling before being allowed a personal exemption for their children.
“They have talked with their doctor, they know the risks and benefits and they still refuse,” she said.
“We can show them the science and yet they choose not to believe it.”
Measles can cause hearing loss, vision problems, encephalitis, and can affect the central nervous system.
Mercer said it’s often when a child is taken to the emergency department that it’s learned that others in the family have also had it.
So she expects case numbers to be higher than what is reported.
Pre-schoolers are not required to be vaccinated in order to attend school, as are students aged 7 and up.
However, Mercer said WDGPH is being proactive and has sent reminder notices to parents of students aged four, five and six, “and we did see a substantial increase in people seeking immunization.”
For more information, contact a health care provider, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/measles or call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
