Public health officials in Montreal confirmed the city's first case of measles on Thursday, marking a significant expansion of an ongoing outbreak in Quebec. The new diagnosis brings the total number of confirmed cases in the province to seven.
Outbreak Spreads to Multiple Regions
The Montreal case means the highly contagious virus has now been detected in four Quebec regions. Prior to this, cases had already been confirmed in the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Laval. The Montreal Public Health Department issued a statement noting that, given measles is circulating both in Canada and internationally, additional sporadic cases remain possible.
Exposure Risks and Public Health Alert
While Thursday's announcement marks the official confirmation of a case on Montreal Island, authorities revealed that individuals believed to be infected were present in various locations on the island on nine separate occasions since December 9. This indicates a period of potential community exposure before the case was formally identified.
Health officials are emphasizing that certain groups are at heightened risk from the disease. These include:
- Children under one year of age.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women who are not adequately vaccinated against measles.
Vigilance Urged as Virus Circulates
The resurgence of measles in Quebec, particularly its arrival in Canada's second-largest city, has put public health authorities on high alert. Measles is exceptionally contagious and can spread through the air in closed spaces. Symptoms often begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that spreads across the body.
The best protection against measles remains vaccination with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Public health is urging residents to check their vaccination status and that of their children, especially if they plan to travel or are in frequent contact with large groups.
