A new outbreak of measles in Quebec worries

It’s time for our first health meeting of 2025 with Diane Lamarre.

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The Quebec government continues to closely monitor the ongoing measles outbreak. A list of places visited by one or more people suffering from this highly contagious disease is regularly updated. Currently, the regions of Laval, Montreal, Laurentides and Montérégie are particularly affected.

Measles, which is transmitted very quickly, can contaminate between 75 and 90 people in a group of 100, if an infected person is present. The incubation period, the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms, is approximately 11 to 12 days. Public health immediately alerts populations as soon as a case is confirmed.

Symptoms

They often start with cold or flu-like symptoms, followed by rash, and sometimes red eyes. The period of contagiousness extends from 4 days before the appearance of rashes to 4 days after their onset. Possible complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, seizures, as well as vision or hearing damage, and neurological damage.

Although measles vaccination is generally effective (at 12 and 18 months), it is possible to catch the disease even after being vaccinated, although the symptoms are usually less severe. However, infants younger than 12 months remain vulnerable, being protected only by maternally transmitted immunity.

Other viruses are actively circulating during this winter period

Influenza, Covid-19 and RSV are experiencing a resurgence. Many Quebecers suffer from cold symptoms, and to treat themselves, several options are available. Saline solutions, like products Sinus Rinse or HydraSenseare particularly recommended for deep cleaning of the sinuses. Decongestants, although effective, must be used with caution, as they may interfere with other conditions. As for cough syrups, their effectiveness is now questioned, particularly in young children.

Finally, acetaminophen remains a treatment of choice to relieve symptoms, but it is important to respect the recommended doses, in particular the dosage of 15 mg/kg. It is also possible to combine acetaminophen with ibuprofen, taking care to space the doses sufficiently apart.

Vigilance is required as winter progresses and several viruses continue to circulate.

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