Measles outbreak spreads to Laval

Three outbreaks of the illness had been confirmed since April 19, in Montreal, Montregie and Laurentides, with Laval island becoming the fourth region to report at least one case last week. Under normal conditions, since 2000 there have been only two or three cases of measles per year in Quebec.

In the single case in Laval, health officials have reason to believe the outbreak could rapidly spread because the person infected is a regular user of public transit. Since measles is very contagious and contracted through air exchange, others have probably been infected and will soon realize they are ill.

"We've ascertained three waves of the disease to date and are expecting a fourth and fifth soon," says Dr. Patricia Hudson, interim director of the Public Health Agency.

"Most of the people are immunized," she explains. "Vaccination programs are very effective but it's very important for those who have never been vaccinated against measles to get it done as soon as possible. This is one way of stopping the illness from spreading. People experiencing symptoms such as coughing, fever, and nasal dripping must consult a doctor immediately."

There's no treatment for measles, which in the days following the first symptoms manifests itself in red spots on the face and body.

In the worst cases, complication such as otitis (inflammation of the ears) and lung infections can develop. The fatality rate for infected people is one in 3000.

Those most susceptible to complications are pregnant women, children under 1 and people of low immune systems.

Photo: Hudson

(Photo: Martin Alarie)