A Long-Forgotten Threat Returns

For nearly 30 years, measles was relegated to the history books, a disease considered eradicated in Canada by 1998. Thanks to a vaccine introduced in the 1960s, extensive immunization efforts had pushed measles to the brink of extinction in North America by 2000. But now, this once-dormant virus is making a startling comeback!

The Alarming Numbers

So far in 2025, Ontario has reported nearly 2,000 measles cases, with 65 recorded in the Algoma region alone. This marks the largest outbreak in years—surpassing the total number of cases across the province since 2013!

Preparedness in Action

While the return of measles caught many by surprise, Algoma Public Health had been proactively preparing for this day, aware that vaccination rates globally were not where they should be. Dr. John Tuinema, the associate medical officer of health, revealed that preparations began over a year ago.

"We knew complacency could lead to a resurgence, so we organized internal exercises to enhance our response strategies," Tuinema stated. The health unit participated in tabletop exercises, strategizing on how to react to a hypothetical measles case—ensuring all protocols were ready to go.

Swift Action in the Face of Outbreak

Once cases started appearing across Ontario earlier this year, Algoma Public Health didn't waste any time connecting with local healthcare providers. And when the first local case emerged in late April, the response was immediate.

"The moment we get a report of measles, we spring into action. The affected individual is isolated until they are no longer contagious, and we ensure that anyone who may have been in contact receives guidance on vaccinations or antibodies," Tuinema explained.

Public Awareness and Vaccination Efforts

To combat the measles threat, Algoma Public Health is ramping up public awareness and vaccination opportunities. Tuinema emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed about potential high-risk settings.

Currently, although local case numbers have risen significantly, Tuinema reassured residents that the overall risk remains low, particularly among vaccinated individuals. "For those who are immunized, the vaccine provides excellent protection," he said.

The Herd Immunity Imperative

Measles is incredibly contagious, requiring over 95% of the population to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Tuinema noted that most cases in the region resulted from private exposures among unimmunized groups. "Our vaccination rates are generally good in Algoma, but there's always room for improvement," he added.

Fighting Misinformation

In addition to monitoring outbreaks, the health unit is actively combating vaccine misinformation. "People should seek information from credible sources like Public Health Ontario or their healthcare provider if they have questions or concerns about the vaccine," Tuinema advised.

The Reality of Measles

There’s a misconception that measles is a mild disease. While some may experience mild symptoms, others can face severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Awareness is crucial to dispel myths and ensure community safety.

With measles making a comeback, the time to act is now. Vaccination and informed discussions about the disease are our best weapons against this preventable outbreak!