Measles Updates
Last week, Public Health reported two additional cases of measles in the Southern Health region. Across Canada, there have been over 1,000 cases this year with 8% requiring hospitalization. Over 90% of these were unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. The U.S. is also seeing a staggering number of infections, and even deaths.
Read this notice to physicians from Public Health about measles, including screening, care protocols and testing requirements. This includes links to routine precautions and reporting requirements (same day notification).
Manitobans were reminded last week to check their measles vaccine status as part of National Immunization Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s Awareness Week is “Don’t Let History Repeat Itself,” a fitting theme given the current Measles situation.
Manitobans are encouraged to review their immunization status against measles to prevent a large outbreak in Manitoba:
- For those born in 1985 and later, it is likely immunization records are in the provincial immunization registry. For people who don’t have their immunization record, records can be checked by submitting an eform (www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/records.html) or asking a health-care provider, pharmacist or local public health office. For individuals who are not immunized, they are eligible for two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
- Manitobans born between 1970 and 1984 are likely immunized against measles as Manitoba’s measles vaccine program started in 1967. However, Manitoba did not have a centralized immunization registry at that time. If someone has reason to believe they weren’t immunized, they can talk to their health-care provider about immunization. Health-care providers can also check to see if they have previously had a blood test for immunity. Anyone who wasn’t immunized is eligible for one dose.
- Those born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles. This is because the measles virus was still circulating frequently at that time.