Measles in Quebec – The importance of vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the virus morbillivirus. It can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even simply talks. With the introduction of vaccines, the frequency of infections has overall decreased. As one of the most infectious diseases known to humankind, measles killed an average of 2.6 million people each year before a vaccine was developed. However, as the immunization rates have gone down in many parts of the world, outbreaks of measles have been recently noted.
Quebec has confirmed 28 cases of measles since the beginning of this year, as per the most recent data released on March 19th. Montreal saw the most cases, totaling up to 15, while Laval, Laurentians, Eastern Townships, Monteregie, Mauricie and the Centre-de-Quebec areas all have less than five cases each. A tracker is available on the Government of Quebec’s website with places and dates of possible exposure of measles. Quebec’s director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau claimed that the majority of cases comprised of children, and at least one adult contracted the disease.
As a highly contagious airborne diseases, measles can cause severe disease that can lead to complications, and even death. The virus can stay active in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. It can be transmitted by an infected person four days prior to the development of the rash, and up to four days post rash. Measles can affect anyone, but it is most widespread in children. Symptoms include high fever, cough, inflamed eyes, runny nose, and rash. Small white spots inside the mouth may appear two to three days after symptoms begin. In some instances, people who become infected with measles may develop serious lung infections, such as pneumonia. Although rare, measles may cause brain swelling and death. In addition, the disease can lead to several complications including blindness, potential brain damage because of brain swelling, severe diarrhea related dehydration, ear inflections and breathing problems. Measles is typically more severe in children and in people who have compromised immune systems or are malnourished. Another major issue with this disease is that measles itself weakens the immune system, leaving the infected patient vulnerable to other illnesses.
According to an article reported in the journal of Science in 2019, research shows that measles virus eliminates 11 to 73 percent of various antibodies that protect against viral and bacterial strains that the person was previously immune to, including but not limited to, influenza, pneumonia and skin infections. Protection against other diseases can drop even lower if the eliminated antibodies are powerful defenses known as neutralizing antibodies. A majority of the deaths linked to measles are attributable to secondary infections caused by the virus. Therefore, the vaccine against measles can prevent immune amnesia and preserves its resistance to other infections.
Those who survive measles slowly regain their former immunity to other bacteria and viruses as they get re-exposed to them. However, this process can take months to years, and people can remain susceptible to serious complications resulting from infections during this time. Taking this into account, researchers advise clinicians to strengthen the immunity of patients recovering from measles with a round of booster shots of all previously received routine vaccines.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused many setbacks in surveillance of other diseases and associated immunizations. Declines in immunization rates have left millions of children susceptible to preventable diseases like measles. Measles affects several countries across the globe, and with lower immunization causing increased spread of the virus, the likelihood of outbreaks puts all unvaccinated children and adults at risk. Indeed, anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against measles is at risk of getting it. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. Despite the availability of a reliable and cost-effective vaccine, in 2021, there was an estimated 128 000 measles-related deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children below the age of 5 years. Children must receive two doses of the vaccines to make sure they are immune. The first dose is given at 9 months of age in countries where measles is prevalent, and 12 to 15 months in other countries. The second dose is given later, at 15 to 18 months.
People who travel to parts of the world where measles is more common are at risk. Healthcare workers or those who work in childcare facilities are also more at risk as they’re more prone to interact with sick people. Those working closely with children must promote good handwashing techniques, and educate parents or guardians about the nature of measles.