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N.S. public health reporting 30 cases of measles in northern part of province

Measles Outbreak Hits Northern Nova Scotia: Public Health Reports 30 Confirmed Cases Amid Vaccination Push

HALIFAX – Health officials in Nova Scotia are sounding the alarm over a growing measles outbreak in the northern part of the province, with 30 confirmed cases reported as of the latest update. The cluster, primarily concentrated in communities around the Cape Breton area, marks one of the most significant measles incidents in the region in recent years, prompting urgent calls for vaccination and heightened public awareness.

The outbreak was first detected earlier this month when several individuals presented with symptoms at local clinics and hospitals. Public health authorities, led by Nova Scotia's Department of Health and Wellness, have been tracking the cases closely, confirming through laboratory testing that the virus is indeed measles – a highly contagious disease that had been largely eradicated in Canada thanks to widespread immunization efforts. However, gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly in certain rural and underserved communities, appear to be fueling the spread.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a press briefing. "Measles is not a mild illness; it can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems," he stated. "We're seeing cases across various age groups, but the majority are in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals. This underscores the critical need for everyone to ensure their vaccinations are up to date."

The 30 cases include a mix of children and adults, with reports indicating that at least a dozen are under the age of 18. Health officials have not released specific details on the exact locations to protect privacy, but sources confirm that the northern zone, encompassing areas like Sydney, Glace Bay, and surrounding rural townships, is the epicenter. Investigations suggest the outbreak may have originated from an imported case, possibly linked to international travel, though contact tracing is ongoing to pinpoint the source.

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that spreads from the face downward. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, making it extremely infectious – one person can infect up to 18 others in a susceptible population. In severe cases, complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. Globally, measles claims over 100,000 lives annually, mostly in regions with low vaccination rates, but outbreaks in developed countries like Canada highlight vulnerabilities in herd immunity.

Nova Scotia's public health response has been swift and multifaceted. Contact tracing teams are working around the clock to identify and isolate exposed individuals, while pop-up vaccination clinics have been established in affected areas. Schools and daycares in the northern zone have been advised to review immunization records, and some have implemented temporary measures such as excluding unvaccinated students to prevent further transmission. "We're prioritizing high-risk groups, including infants too young for the vaccine and those with medical exemptions," explained a spokesperson from the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

This outbreak comes at a time when measles cases are resurging worldwide, driven by factors like vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, the Public Health Agency has reported sporadic outbreaks in recent years, including a notable one in British Columbia in 2019 that affected over 20 people. Nova Scotia itself has seen isolated cases in the past, but nothing on this scale since the early 2000s. Experts attribute the current situation to declining vaccination rates in some pockets of the province, where routine childhood immunizations have dipped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

Community leaders in northern Nova Scotia are rallying to support the response. In Cape Breton, local organizations are partnering with health authorities to distribute educational materials in English, French, and Mi'kmaq languages, addressing cultural and linguistic barriers. "We need to combat myths about vaccines," said a representative from a First Nations health center. "Measles was once a killer in our communities, and we can't let it come back."

Parents like Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from Sydney Mines, are taking action. "When I heard about the cases, I double-checked my kids' records and got them boosted right away," she shared. "It's scary to think this could spread to schools." Health officials are urging similar vigilance, recommending the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is administered in two doses – the first at 12 months and the second between four and six years old. Adults born after 1970 who haven't been vaccinated or had the disease are also encouraged to get immunized.

The economic and social impacts of the outbreak are already being felt. Some businesses in the affected areas have reported absences due to illness or quarantine, and tourism, a key industry in Cape Breton, could suffer if the situation escalates. Hospitals are preparing for potential surges in admissions, with isolation wards on standby. "We're monitoring hospitalization rates closely," Dr. Strang noted. "So far, most cases are mild, but we can't afford complacency."

Looking ahead, public health experts are calling for long-term strategies to bolster vaccination programs. This includes integrating immunization reminders into primary care, expanding access in remote areas through mobile clinics, and addressing vaccine hesitancy through evidence-based campaigns. "Education is key," said Dr. Noni MacDonald, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Dalhousie University. "Misinformation spreads faster than the virus itself. We need to rebuild trust in vaccines by sharing stories of those protected and the risks of going without."

The Nova Scotia government has allocated additional funding for the response, including resources for testing and outreach. Federal support from Health Canada is also being coordinated to ensure a unified approach. As the case count stands at 30, officials warn that more could emerge in the coming weeks due to the virus's incubation period of 7 to 21 days.

In the broader context, this outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public health achievements. Measles was declared eliminated in the Americas in 2016, but imported cases and gaps in coverage have led to resurgences. In Europe, for instance, thousands of cases were reported last year, prompting the World Health Organization to label it a global health emergency.

For Nova Scotians, the message is clear: vaccination is the most effective tool against measles. Residents are advised to check their status via the provincial health portal or consult their family doctor. "Don't wait for symptoms," Dr. Strang urged. "Act now to protect yourself and your community."

As investigations continue, public health teams remain optimistic that containment efforts will curb the spread. However, the incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in an interconnected world where diseases can cross borders with ease. With community cooperation, Nova Scotia aims to stamp out this outbreak and prevent future ones, ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

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Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-public-health-reporting-30-cases-of-measles-in-northern-part-of-province/article_472a1d76-4da5-5aaa-a85a-f8f8194e8736.html ]