In a significant health alert, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has confirmed that the largest measles outbreak in the past decade has not yet invaded the nation's capital. However, officials are staying vigilant. As of now, Public Health Ontario reports a staggering 470 confirmed measles cases across the province, marking an alarming increase of 120 cases since mid-March.

Since the outbreak commenced in October, 34 individuals have been hospitalized due to the virus, with an overwhelming majority—27—being unimmunized children. This raises serious questions about vaccination rates, as OPH points out that a staggering 96% of measles cases in the province involve unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the risk posed to vulnerable populations.

Dr. Trevor Arnason, Interim Medical Officer of Health, emphasized in a recent memo that vaccination is "the most effective way to prevent measles." He noted that post-vaccination immunity for children approaches an impressive 100% after the second dose, which further underscores the importance of ensuring widespread vaccine coverage to mitigate virus transmission.

The majority of cases are concentrated in the Southwestern Public Health region, accounting for nearly 50% of the total reports. Nearby Grand Erie is not far behind, contributing almost 24% to the pile. Huron Perth, encompassing regions like Stratford and Goderich, has seen its cases rise to 9%, up from 3.7% in the previous week, indicating a troubling trend of escalating infections.

Despite these outbreaks occurring far from Ottawa, OPH remains on high alert as measles is known to be a "highly contagious" disease. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has vacated the area, posing a serious threat of transmission.

In response to the rising cases, OPH is collaborating with community partners and school boards to ramp up immunization efforts for children, mirroring their proactive approach during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine at their primary health care providers. Those without a health provider can access services through various community organizations, including Kids Come First and ParentingInOttawa.ca.

It is essential to note that compliance with vaccination is mandatory for children in Ottawa's school boards unless they possess a valid exemption. The Immunization of School Pupils Act mandates vaccination against nine key childhood diseases, including measles, diphtheria, and polio, thereby safeguarding not just the individual child but also the broader community.

OPH is prepared to respond swiftly to any reported measles cases, providing support for affected individuals, conducting contact tracing for potential exposure sites, and engaging with healthcare professionals to bolster awareness and responses.

As the province grapples with this health crisis, communities are reminded of the critical importance of vaccinations. With rising cases on the horizon, the question lingers - will Ottawa remain unscathed, or is it just a matter of time before the outbreak reaches our doorstep? Stay informed and stay vigilant!