Measles Cases in Canada Jumps to 119

Canada Health officials confirmed that the total number of measles cases in Quebec province has gone up to 119 and is expected to rise further.

The measles outbreak has stemmed from a single case in the Lanaudiere region northeast of Montreal in early February. It is directly linked to an outbreak clustered around the Disneyland amusement park in California.

Infection disease specialist Johanne Desilets said, "The virus spread further among children and adults who have not been vaccinated and are members of large families. You have to realize that measles are highly contagious. If one person has measles in a family of 10, everybody will be exposed and will probably get it. And we have over 20 families affected, with families of seven to 10 children (each)."

Officials said, "A local school has become the epicenter of the larger local outbreak after an infected student showed up for class and unwittingly spread the virus. Others who had contact with the infected group are being monitored for symptoms and the public health authority is expecting more cases of measles among them."

Health officials will offer measles vaccinations at the school from Thursday, while those infected remain in self-isolation at home.

Other isolated cases have also been reported in Ontario and Manitoba provinces in the past months.



Source: Medindia