Measles a dangerous, preventable problem

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/07/2025 (254 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“Measles can easily cross borders and cause outbreaks in any community where people are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.”

— The U.S. Centers for Disease Control

“Measles can be prevented through immunization. Measles vaccine is offered free-of-charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule and to those who meet Manitoba’s eligibility criteria.”

— Manitoba Health

The words above are not controversial. Vaccination prevents the spread of measles. Despite that fact, vaccination rates are declining in Canada and the disease is spreading across the nation at an accelerating pace.

Given the danger posed by measles to humans, especially children, it is alarming that many parents are taking the risk of not having their children vaccinated against measles and other communicable diseases.

According to Manitoba Health, a measles infection can lead to complications that include ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can cause seizures, brain damage or even death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and low birth-weight babies.

The disease is highly contagious. The measles virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s mucous or saliva, and through the air from coughing and sneezing. It may also spread through contact with objects that were recently exposed to an infected person’s mucous or saliva from coughing and sneezing. Droplets of the virus can remain airborne for several hours.

For those not vaccinated for measles, symptoms of the disease typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may initially include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.

The characteristic red blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms, typically beginning on the face and progressing down the body.

An infected person is contagious and able to spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after. That means they can be transmitting the virus and infecting others without knowing they are ill.

In a nation as well-educated and informed as Canada, most would assume that citizens would be doing everything necessary to prevent the spread of the disease, but they would be wrong. In fact, Canada is now ranked among the “top 10” countries currently suffering measles outbreaks, along with undeveloped nations like Yemen, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia and Afghanistan.

That’s embarrassing, and so is the fact that Alberta now has more confirmed measles cases than those reported in the entire United States so far this year. Even worse, the Alberta government admits many cases are likely going unreported and undetected.

Alberta leads the continent in measles cases, but Ontario is also experiencing high levels of infection. Just three days ago, it was reported that the disease has spread “like wildfire” among unvaccinated children in British Columbia. Last week, experts warned that vaccination rates among children in the Maritimes are too low to stop the spread of measles. That concern was validated on Monday when New Brunswick declared a measles outbreak in its south-central region.

Here in Manitoba, there have been a total of 130 confirmed measles cases so far this year, along with eight suspected cases. The Manitoba Health website lists dozens of locations where Manitobans may have been exposed to measles, including the Brandon Shoppers Mall. Anyone who was in the mall between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on June 29 is asked to monitor for symptoms until July 21 and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine.

That warning will likely cause anxiety for those who may have been exposed to the virus, but it should also cause a certain degree of frustration.

Measles is a preventable problem. The only reason we are experiencing an outbreak in Canada is because too many of our fellow citizens refuse to do their part to prevent the spread of the disease. They won’t get vaccinated, yet they won’t take steps to avoid infecting others.

That has to change. With children due to return to their schools in September — creating the possibility of an even worse outbreak — we urge unvaccinated Manitobans to get themselves and their children vaccinated. It’s free of charge in Manitoba, and doing so just might save a life.

It could be yours or your child’s.