Published on January 17, 2025 by Médialo
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) invites the population to be extra careful and to follow public health recommendations due to the active circulation of measles and the presence of several exposure environments in the Laurentides region and elsewhere in Quebec.
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A measles outbreak in Quebec was declared in December and is still ongoing, with an 11th case potentially exposing thousands of people during its contagious period. Note that 6 of the 11 confirmed cases across the province come from the Laurentides region.
Several places of exposure to measles have been identified and listed on Québec.ca/rougeole. If you have frequented these places, check your protection status in the “People considered protected” section on the website or by telephone at 1 877 644-4545.
People not protected against measles who have been in contact with a case of measles or who were at the places and dates of possible exposure to a case of measles should self-isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms. If you have frequented one of the possible exposure sites and are one of the people at risk of complications, the MSSS suggests contacting Info-Santé 811 as soon as possible to assess the need to receive preventive treatment (antibody injection). ) within the required deadlines.
Symptoms
Although it is unlikely that people protected against measles will contract the disease, it is still recommended as a precaution to monitor the appearance of the following symptoms: fever, nasal congestion with runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes which flow), sensitivity to light and general malaise. Redness appears on the face and body a little later in the course of the disease.
“Vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention against measles,” says the MSSS. In Quebec, children receive the measles vaccine at 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is also offered free of charge to anyone born after 1970 who has never received the measles vaccine or who has never had this disease. People born before 1970 are considered protected against measles. Making an appointment to obtain the measles vaccine is available online at Clic Santé or by telephone at 1 877 644-4545.
-Highlights
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It is possible to catch it without having been in direct contact with a person suffering from measles since it may be enough to have been in the same room as a contagious person, even for a short period of time. Measles can cause serious complications in the following groups:
Children aged less than one year;
Pregnant women;
People with weakened immune systems.
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