Rise in measles cases ‘deeply concerning’: Health officials

Two recent cases of measles in Quebec and Ontario have raised alarms among Canadian health officials, who say the infections were not linked to travel or known exposures. That suggests the disease may already be circulating within some communities.

So far, at least nine cases have been confirmed nationally. While experts say the overall risk of a large outbreak is low, they warn that areas with lower vaccination rates remain vulnerable.

Federal data shows immunization coverage has slipped over the past decade – with 79 per cent of children receiving both doses of the measles vaccine in 2021, compared with 87 per cent in 2017. The decline means nearly two in 10 children lack full protection.

Dr. Pargat Bhurji, a pediatrician in Surrey, told Connect Newsroom that declining vaccination rates could leave communities exposed. “Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know. Even a small drop in coverage creates openings for spread,” he said.

The concern comes as a new Angus Reid Institute survey found that 1 in 6 Canadian parents oppose childhood vaccination. Health officials say education campaigns will be essential to rebuild trust and maintain herd immunity.