Measles Death Confirmed in Canada – First Case Since Epidemic
- The first confirmed death linked to measles since its resurgence in Canada a year ago has been reported.
- In June, another infant born prematurely and also suffering from measles had died, but authorities had not initially confirmed the exact cause of death, noting the infant "presented...
- To read more: In the United States and elsewhere, measles is back, favored by the drop in vaccination
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Measles resurgence in Canada: second Infant Death confirmed
Table of Contents
What Happened
The first confirmed death linked to measles since its resurgence in Canada a year ago has been reported. “A child, born prematurely after his mother contracted measles during her pregnancy, died shortly after her birth,” said Alberta Minister of Health Adriana Lagrange, adding that the death was “due to measles.”
In June, another infant born prematurely and also suffering from measles had died, but authorities had not initially confirmed the exact cause of death, noting the infant “presented other medical complications.”
To read more: In the United States and elsewhere, measles is back, favored by the drop in vaccination
As the start of the year, Canada has identified 5006 cases of measles, mainly in the provinces of Ontario (Center) and Alberta (West), according to federal health data updated at the end of September. Among these cases, 88% affect unvaccinated individuals.
“Children under the age of five, pregnant women and people whose immune system is weakened are the most exposed to the risk of measles,” said Minister Alberta in her press release.
read again: A study shows it: measles is even more dangerous than we thought
The Resurgence and Vaccination Rates
Canada, which had declared measles eradicated in 1998 thanks to vaccination, is now facing the highest resurgence of the disease since that date.
Experts indicate the epidemic disproportionately affects certain Mennonite, Amish, and other Anabaptist groups, partly due to lower vaccination rates within these populations.
read also: Measles, meningitis, yellow fever: diseases more present due to the drop in vaccinations
Why Vaccination Rates are declining
The decline in vaccination rates is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. These include:
- Misinformation: The spread of false or misleading information about vaccine safety.
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Concerns about potential side effects,even when scientifically unfounded.
- Access Barriers: Difficulties in accessing vaccination services, particularly in remote or underserved communities.
- Complacency: A reduced perception of risk due to the previous eradication of the disease.
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to the severe complications of measles:
- Infants: Too young to be fully vaccinated.
- pregnant Women: Measles during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and baby.
- Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems: those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or taking immunosuppressant medications.
- Unvaccinated Individuals: The primary risk factor.