Waterloo Region Public Health keeping eye on nearby measles cases
Approximately 20,000 elementary and secondary school students have received letters about their immunization records not being up-to-date as reports of preventable illness grow
With Grand Erie Public Health dealing with cases of measles, local officials are urging residents to make sure they’re current with their immunizations.
While most of the nearby cases are in Haldimand-Norfolk County, Region of Waterloo Public Health is trying to get ahead of any potential issues.
Parents of approximately 20,000 elementary and high school students in the region have received letters stating their immunization records aren’t up-to-date.
“It doesn’t mean the students are unvaccinated,” David Aoki, director of infectious disease for public health, said.
“We know the majority, more than 50 per cent, are actually vaccinated. It’s more of a reporting piece than a vaccination piece.”
The next round of letters, or the second warning, will go out mid-February.
If a student isn’t vaccinated by April 2, they’ll be suspended.
Last year was the first time public health ran enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The issue of reporting typically centres around three causes; children starting school whose parents are unaware records need to be submitted, children who reach seven years old and are overdue for a second round of shots and high school students who need a 10-year booster.
Aoki said the region’s public health unit has been monitoring measles since last year when cases began to rise in Ontario.
The highly-contagious virus can cause a fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash. In extreme cases, more serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis and even death from respiratory and neurologic complications can occur, according to Health Canada.
“We’ve been working with other local health units to make sure our response is coordinated” Aoki said.
“When they do their assessments, if there’s any risk to our area they let us know. We haven’t had that.”
It’s all part of what makes keeping records current so important.
“If someone in a child’s school comes down with measles, potentially the whole school could be at risk,” Aoki said.
“By us having our records, we’re able to easily identify the students who are at risk and put things in place to protect them. We’re keeping a close eye.”
Aoki emphasizes the best way to protect against the virus is to get vaccinated.
“Measles is very preventable,” he said.
“It’s a vaccine that once you get your two shots as a child, you’re protected for life, you don’t need any boosters.”
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