Measles cases continue to increase in the Laurentides region. Since mid-December, 17 cases have been confirmed and since the beginning of February, 5 have occurred in unvaccinated children aged 1 to 14. In addition, primary, secondary and post-secondary school settings have been exposed to measles. The CISSS des Laurentides Public Health Department recommends that the public, and particularly parents of preschool and school-age children, as well as people attending daycares, schools, CEGEPs and universities, check their vaccination records and get vaccinated against measles if they are not adequately protected. To check your protection status, you can consult the “Persons considered protected” section on Québec.ca/measles. Due to the seriousness and high contagiousness of the disease, when a case of measles is confirmed in a daycare or educational setting, the Direction de santé publique des Laurentides verifies the vaccination status of people attending the setting and recommends the temporary withdrawal of people who are not adequately vaccinated in order to protect them and limit transmission. In some cases, vaccination could prevent this withdrawal.

Measles vaccination in the Laurentides

Vaccination is available at all local service points in the region. Appointments can be made online at www.clicsante.ca or by phone at 1 877 644-4545. According to the Quebec vaccination schedule, children receive the measles vaccine at 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is however offered free of charge to anyone born in 1970 or later who has never received the measles vaccine or who has never had the disease. People born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.

Dates and locations of exposure to measles are identified on www.Québec.ca/rougeole. Unprotected people who attended one of these locations on an identified date or who were in contact with a case of measles must isolate themselves to avoid spreading the disease. Vulnerable people (children under one year of age, pregnant women, immunosuppressed people) who have been exposed to measles are invited to contact Info-Santé at 811. Preventive treatment may be offered to reduce the risk of complications of the disease. It is also advisable to monitor the appearance of the following symptoms for 21 days: fever, nasal congestion with runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (red, runny eyes), sensitivity to light and general malaise. Subsequently, redness appears on the face and then on the body.

In the presence of symptoms, the Public Health Department reminds that it is important to isolate yourself at home and to avoid any contact with vulnerable people. If travel for a medical consultation is necessary, it is recommended to:

  • Wear a mask;
  • Avoid using public transportation;
  • Contact the medical clinic or any other care and service setting before traveling to inform them of your condition. If this is not possible, it is important to inform the reception staff upon arrival.