Get vaccinated to protect against measles: Health Department
No cases yet in Nunavut, but 7 provinces have experienced outbreaks
The Health Department advises Nunavummiut to isolate and call a health-care provider immediately if they experience symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. (File photo)
No measles cases have been confirmed in Nunavut since 2017, but Nunavummiut must remain vigilant, the Health Department said in an advisory issued Thursday.
“There are measles outbreaks in most southern Canadian provinces. Protect yourself, your family and your community from measles by getting vaccinated,” said Charmaine Deogracias, the department’s communications manager, in the advisory.
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan have all experienced measles outbreaks since the disease made its resurgence in Canada with an outbreak in New Brunswick in October 2024.
A total of 1,177 measles cases, including 1,019 confirmed and 158 considered probable, were reported across southern Canada this year as of April 19, based on data published on the federal government’s website.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from an infected person to others who are unvaccinated and who have not had measles before. People who had measles in childhood or who are vaccinated are considered immune.
It can lead to severe complications, especially among children under the age of five, pregnant women and people with a compromised immune system.
Measles had been declared eradicated in Canada in 1998; however, cases have cropped up since then due to migration and travel.
Elimination of the disease was a direct result of successful, routine vaccination programs, the federal government’s website states.
Other ways to reduce the spread of measles include staying home when sick and limiting contact with others, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, not sharing personal items such as bottles or food utensils, and washing hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, Deogracias said.
The measles virus is passed through airborne droplets and direct personal contact. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Nunavummiut mainly receive vaccines as part of Nunavut’s routine adult and childhood vaccination schedules. The Health Department has been encouraging health-care providers to ensure people are up to date on vaccinations at every opportunity, including when care is accessed for other reasons, Deogracias said.
The Government of Nunavut distributed signage at airports warning travellers about measles in March. As well, public service announcements will be aired on community radio station broadcasts, Deogracias said in an email to Nunatsiaq News on Friday.
Where would I get information in Iqaluit whether my vaccinations, or my families’ are up to date? Qikiqtani General Hospital clinics, or Public Health?
This article needs another section where we can go to get information whether we are vaccinated or not, including our children (some programs were site visits to schools or references for pre-K vaccinations elsewhere).
More Information … if you and your family have received regular vaccinations your records will be at Public Health
“Measles had been declared eradicated in Canada in 1998; however, cases have cropped up since then due to migration and travel.”
This is not true, they may be contributing factors, but the outbreaks are due to folks not immunizing their children for Measles. Anti-Vaxxers unfortunately are why measles is no longer eradicated.
People can request immunization records from their health center and Public Health clinics in Rankin and Iqaluit.