Measles Updates
Since our update last week, Manitoba Public Health has provided multiple updates, describing the situation as “changing very quickly.”
KEY UPDATES:
More than 20 cases identified so far this year, primarily in the Southern Health region.
Multiple exposure sites in and around Morden, Winkler, Gretna and Dugald, including schools, school buses and health facilities. Complete list here.
Community transmission is now suspected as some cases cannot be traced to travel or direct exposure.
Vaccine reminders are crucial as the majority of cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.
IF YOU SUSPECT A PATIENT HAS MEASLES: Send a nasopharyngeal swab for measles PCR and measles serology. The province advises that if clinical suspicion is high for measles, health care providers are required to notify Public Health on the same day by sending this clinical notification form even before test results are back. The Medical Officer of Health on-call (204−788−8666) should be notified after-hours.
ADVICE FOR SUSPECT CASES AND UNIMMUNIZED HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS: Suspect cases should be advised to isolate at home until test results are known. For asymptomatic unimmunized household contacts, recommend a measles-containing vaccine if not otherwise contraindicated, which can prevent transmission if provided within 72 hours after exposure. Unimmunized household contacts should be advised to limit exposures to others/public sites while awaiting test results on the suspect case.
Please refer to the measles (rubeola) communicable disease protocol for further information.
Dr. Davinder Singh, Medical Officer of Health, said this week “we have to be concerned that a rapid increase is definitely a realistic possibility.” Alberta and Ontario have seen rapid increases in measles cases, with 297 and 1,243 respectively. He has encouraged Manitobans to get immunized, and those with doubts about the vaccine to talk to a doctor.
GOOD TO KNOW: The Manitoba government updates case data on its website on Wednesdays, and new exposure information will be updated as it becomes available. Canada updates its website on Fridays.
BACKGROUND
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 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.
Manitoba’s Immunization Program vaccine eligibility for the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) is found here.
→ U.S. Take: Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading American pediatrician, virologist and globally recognized vaccine expert spoke with CBC Manitoba Radio this week on the importance of immunization and accurate information in public health.