North Bay-Parry Sound Health Unit reports 11 cases of measles

The North Bay-Parry Sound Health Unit is monitoring 11 cases of measles, all originating from the original case reported on March 7. 

"Given that we are seeing the outbreak in Ontario and that we have seen decreasing measles immunization rates, I don't think this is surprising, however, it is concerning," said Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, medical officer of health. 

"Measles can be a very contagious and very serious infection, especially in young children and those who are pregnant."

Zimbalatti said the health unit isn't expecting the 11 local measles cases to generate more infections within their district, as all known contacts have been addressed. She said the measles cases originated from someone who travelled to southwestern Ontario.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health has linked the southwestern Ontario outbreak to a large Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick last fall. 

While Zimbalatti confirmed Ontario's larger outbreak is related to this event, she said she couldn't discuss any connection to the local cases due to the small population involved. 

She added there have not been hospitalizations or admission to the intensive care unit related to the outbreak in North Bay-Parry Sound. 

"There is no evidence that those cases or their contacts are leading to increased risk to the population," Zimbalatti said. 

Unlike other health units that have published detailed exposure locations such as specific restaurants and stores, North Bay-Parry Sound public health has not released such information.

"There haven't been any public exposure sites that have been identified. If we did identify exposures where the general public would be at risk, we would have been posting that information," she said, adding infected individuals are following isolation protocols and not visiting public spaces.

Zimbalatti said individuals with suspected measles should be tested, but stressed they should call their health-care provider or hospital in advance. This precaution is crucial to prevent potential exposure, given that measles is highly contagious for those who are not immunized.

Vaccination rates in the district

She said there are high rates of vaccination against the measles in her district among schoolchildren, with 97 per cent of 17-year-olds and 92 per cent of seven-year-olds reported as fully vaccinated. 

However, Zimbalatti said vaccination rates for the adult population are less clear and likely lower. A 2024 report from Canada's chief medical officer of health suggests only 87 per cent of adults have received any measles vaccination.

"We have seen increased call volumes to our vaccine preventable disease program, which is good to see that people are following the advice and checking up on their records," Zimbalatti said.

"Currently, it is manageable and between healthcare providers and our existing clinics the volume we are able to accommodate the individuals who need to have an additional dose."