Measles was eradicated in Canada in 1998?but measles outbreaks are popping up again in Canada and the US, usually as unvaccinated travellers bring the virus back from other countries and expose kids and adults here who haven?t been vaccinated. Because measles is extremely contagious and can even be life-threatening, parents naturally have lots of questions about whether their kids are at risk and how they can protect them. Here?s what you need to know.
There are cases of measles near where I live. My kid is under one and hasn?t been vaccinated?should I be worried and what can I do" Should I stay home"
Anyone who isn?t immunized, including infants under 12 months, are at the highest risk of contracting measles, as well as people with a lowered immune system, even if they?ve received the vaccine, says Michelle Ponti, a paediatrician in London, Ont. If there?s a measles outbreak in your area, make sure all family members who can be vaccinated have been. The Public Health Agency of Canada says babies as young as 6 months can get the MMR vaccine if there?s an outbreak, so talk to your doctor if this is something you?d like your baby to have. (She?ll still need her regular two doses of the vaccine later.) Hand hygiene is also super important to reduce the spread of germs, so make sure you?re all washing your hands well with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating food.
Paul Roumeliotis, an Ottawa paediatrician and medical officer of health for the Eastern...