Three new cases of measles were reported to Quebec Public Health this week.
As of Feb. 25, 27 cases have been confirmed in the province since the outbreak began last December.
The Laurentians region is by far the most affected, with 20 cases. Other cases have been reported in Montreal, Laval and Montérégie.
Among the most recent transmissions in February, several occurred in the City of Saint-Jérôme. On the government website, which shows the places and dates of possible exposure to a case of measles, cases of measles have been reported in pharmacies, medical clinics, a daycare, and a high school.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and a single case can infect up to 16 people if left unprotected.
The main symptoms of measles are high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rashes on the face and body. However, for vulnerable people, especially babies, the disease can lead to serious complications and even death in rare cases.
There is no cure for measles. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, according to public health.
Quebec’s vaccination schedule calls for children to receive the vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age, but it can be administered free of charge at any age for those who haven’t received it, such as immigrants who would not have been able to benefit from it in their country of origin.
If a person is not vaccinated and has been in contact with a case of measles, he or she must isolate him or herself at home from the fifth day after exposure to the 14th day, inclusive. An individual is not contagious during the first four days following exposure.
Ontario is also experiencing a measles outbreak. As of Feb. 12, the province had confirmed 57 cases and six probable cases of measles.
According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were also five confirmed cases of measles in Manitoba.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Feb. 26, 2025.
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