Alarm Bells Ring as New Brunswick Faces Largest Measles Outbreak in Decades

A measles outbreak in New Brunswick has escalated alarmingly, growing to 44 confirmed cases, predominantly among unvaccinated children who contracted this highly contagious virus from a single infected traveler. This outbreak, declared on November 1 in the Fredericton and Upper Saint John River Valley area, is the most significant the province has witnessed in over 30 years, according to Regional Medical Officer of Health, Mark McKelvie.

Shockingly, more than 80% of those affected are individuals under the age of 19, all considered “susceptible” to measles—meaning they are either unvaccinated or have conditions that compromise the efficacy of vaccinations. While three patients were hospitalized, they have since been released, underscoring the potential danger the virus poses.

This troubling outbreak is not an isolated incident but is part of a broader resurgence of measles seen nationally and internationally, partly attributed to disruptions in routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a rising tide of anti-vaccine rhetoric. According to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles were reported globally last year, marking a 20% increase from 2022.

In Canada specifically, the Public Health Agency noted approximately 100 measles cases recorded this year, a figure that is likely to rise, having only accounted for cases up to November 2. The last time Canada experienced over 100 cases of measles was in 2019, when there were 103 incidents. Tragically, Canada also reported a rare death linked to measles this year involving an unvaccinated child under five from Hamilton.

Dr. Laura Sauvé, a pediatric infectious-disease physician and president-elect of the Canadian Pediatric Society, commented on this alarming trend, explaining that the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted healthcare and vaccination systems, leaving many children underimmunized. She also highlighted how the spread of misinformation and fear surrounding vaccines on social media exacerbates vaccine hesitancy among parents.

Despite these alarming trends, the vaccination rates in New Brunswick have remained relatively steady. The latest immunization report indicates that approximately 91.2% of New Brunswick students entering the 2023-24 academic year have received two doses of the measles vaccine, a marginal decrease from the previous year. However, Dr. McKelvie warned that there could be specific populations within the province that are not receiving adequate vaccinations, whether due to partial immunization or a lack of vaccination altogether.

As measles cases continue to surge globally, particularly in popular European destinations for Canadian travelers, the risk of the outbreak spreading further increases. There is growing concern regarding the existing pockets of unvaccinated individuals, but pinpointing their locations remains a challenge. Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious-disease physician at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, expressed frustration over Canada’s reliance on imprecise survey data for vaccine uptake statistics, emphasizing the need for a national vaccine registry that could provide more accurate data.

As the province grapples with this potentially life-threatening outbreak, health officials stress the importance of immunization and public awareness to combat the resurgence of measles. The message is clear: Vaccination is not just a personal choice but a public health imperative.