Latest news with #Measles
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Canada measles crisis: Alberta in panic over worst outbreak in 45 years, memories of pre-vaccine times back
Alberta is facing a severe measles outbreak, with 868 confirmed cases since March 2025, levels unseen since 1979. Northern Alberta communities are under exposure advisories due to low vaccination rates. Health officials are urging immediate vaccination, including early MMR doses for infants in high-risk areas, to combat the resurgence of this highly contagious disease. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early MMR dose FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads High fever (often > 38.5°C / 101°F) Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) A red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward Alberta is in the grip of its worst measles outbreak in nearly half a century, with 868 confirmed cases since March 2025. These levels of infection haven't been seen in the province since 1979, and alarmingly, provincial officials warn that more cases are likely outbreak has haunted communities into renewed vigilance. In northern Alberta, standing exposure advisories now cover La Crête, Fort Vermilion, and High Level, areas where low vaccination rates have allowed the virus to to the Alberta government, the highest recorded measles case count was in 1957, when 12,337 cases were Canada lost its 'measles elimination' status in 1998, but this massive surge reminds us how fragile that milestone can Craig Jenne at the University of Calgary describes the spike as alarming: 'We're really going back to pre-vaccination times here in Alberta,' a return to the era before the MMR vaccine was introduced in the 879 reported cases (as of June 13), 251 involve children under five and 407 involve school-age kids. Among those infected, 690 were entirely unvaccinated, and only 38 had received two MMR doses. Seventy-five people have been hospitalized, and 12 required intensive alerts have a broad reach, extending from Canmore and Banff to Calgary, layered on top of standing advisories in rural zonesPublic health experts stress immediate vaccination as the only clear defense. Alberta Health now offers an early MMR dose to infants starting at six months in high-risk areas , along with rapid post-exposure immunity options for recent measles once declared eliminated in Canada, this resurgence fuels discomfort, bringing back painful images of past is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after can be dangerous, especially for young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is the best protection. Two doses offer about 97 percent immunity. In high-risk areas, babies as young as 6 months can receive an early dose. Post-exposure vaccines or immune globulin may help prevent illness if given within 72 hours of contact.
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Glastonbury festivalgoers issued major warning over 'super spreader' disease
As hundreds of thousands of festival-goers get ready to head to Glastonbury later this month, worries over possible measles outbreaks have been raised by experts Health experts have warned that Glastonbury could be a super-spreader event for measles as outbreaks continue across the UK. This year's festival is being held from June 25th-June 29th at Worthy Farm, Somerset, and the headline acts will be Neil Young, The 1975, and Olivia Rodrigo. The event's capacity is 210,000 people, which has sparked concern over a possible outbreak of infections this year. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: 'It's festival season. Don't let #Measles be part of your festival line up.' It urged festival-goers on social media to get two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect against the illness. The post added: 'If you've missed yours, you can catch up through your GP surgery.' Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told MailOnline that Glastonbury could worsen the outbreak. He said: 'Given the currently high numbers of measles cases in the UK, particularly in the South West and London, and reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine, gatherings at festivals like Glastonbury are a perfect place for measles to spread.' Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, a runny nose, or a cough. It is then followed by a rash a few days later, and some people may also get small spots in their mouth, the NHS explains. The infection is spread by someone breathing, coughing, or sneezing, and you're infectious from when you first have symptoms until four days after you get the rash. Measles can also lead to serious problems like pneumonia, meningitis, seizures, and blindness. Babies and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing these complications. Dr Alasdair Wood, a consultant at UKHSA South West, told ITV: "We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time as much as possible.' He added that with cases circulating across the country, 'festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread'. Earlier this month, the UKHSA announced that measles outbreaks were continuing across the country. There were 109 confirmed cases in April and 86 so far in May - and the UKHSA said it was concerned that more outbreaks could occur on a larger scale this summer. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the department, said: 'It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family.' She added that measles 'spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain'. Dr Sailba warned that in some cases, children can end up in hospital and suffer life-long consequences. The MMR vaccine is administered over two doses, and about 99% of people with the two doses will be protected. It is never too late to catch-up if you missed the vaccine as a child, the government advises, and anyone who has not had the two doses can contact their GP to book an appointment. Dr Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: "Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems."
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UKHSA warns 'know the symptoms' of 'highly contagious' disease
The UK Health Security Agency wants people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the 'serious' disease The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) wants people to recognise the symptoms of a "highly contagious" disease. Knowing the warning signs is key, as the disease"can cause serious complications." The government agency issued a social media alert about measles, urging people to get fully vaccinated. A post on X read: "#Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications. It's easily preventable with the #MMR vaccine, so make sure that you and your loved ones are up to date and catch up on any missed doses." It included a video urging people to "know the symptoms." UKHSA said the first symptoms of measles include: high temperature runny or blocked nose sneezing a cough red, sore, watery eyes These symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on the face then spreads to the rest of the body. UKHSA said: "The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth." The NHS website has photos that show what the rash could look like on your skin. The rash usually appears a few days after you get the cold-like symptoms. The guidance explained that you should phone ahead before visiting your GP surgery if you suspect measles, as your GP may suggest talking over the phone. Information about the MMR vaccine can be found on the NHS website. The NHS explains: "The MMR vaccine gives long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella." It adds: "These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. "If you're pregnant, getting measles can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. And getting rubella can cause serious problems for your baby such as damage to their sight and hearing. "2 doses of the MMR vaccine gives you long-term protection. Getting vaccinated also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system." Babies and young children are usually given the MMR vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule, but older children and adults can have it if they were not vaccinated, as it can be given at any age. While most people can have the MMR vaccine, the NHS advises it is not suitable if you're pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have had a serious allergic reaction to ingredients in the vaccine, reports Bristol Live. If you think you might need the MMR vaccine or you're not sure if your child has had both doses, the NHS says to contact your GP surgery. The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm or thigh, and it is usually delivered at least one month apart for adults. Young children have the first dose they're 1 year old and the second dose when they're between 3 years 4 months and 5 years old. Both doses are necessary for full protection.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What you need to know before you go: June 12, 2025
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Here are the top headlines from this morning. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill aimed at bringing changes to Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers Governor Reynolds vetoed a bill that was meant to increase restrictions on the use of eminent domain for CO2 Pipeline construction. Iowa governor rejects GOP bill to increase regulations of Summit's carbon dioxide pipeline The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a third case of Measles in the state, from a non-vaccinated child. Iowa HHS confirms third case of measles in 2025 Check out more stories in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Murdoch's Paper Unloads on RFK Jr. Over Axing Vaccine Board
A Rupert Murdoch-owned paper ripped into Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday for gutting the nation's top vaccine advisory panel. The Wall Street Journal published a scathing op-ed a day after Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, announced the firing spree at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the paper itself. The ACIP reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine efficacy. The Secretary of Health and Human Services said he was 'retiring' all 17 members of the advisory committee on vaccines in a 'bold step' to help restore 'public trust.' The move raised alarm bells at a time when health experts fear vaccine skepticism is fueling the nation's largest measles outbreak in around 25 years. 'Most of ACIP's members have received substantial funding from pharmaceutical companies, including those marketing vaccines,' Kennedy wrote, hinting at a plot to push vaccines on Americans. Murdoch's editorial board hit back: 'Mr. Kennedy's beef seems to be that the committee's members know something about vaccines and may have been involved in their research and development.' 'How does he define 'substantial'?' the board asked. The board noted that trial doctors get small payments, typically less than their salaries, from vaccine makers to assist with clinical trials. But 'these trials are double-blinded, meaning doctors don't know which volunteers receive the vaccine or placebo so there's no financial incentive to tilt the data in favor of manufacturers,' the board said. Any conflicts of interest among the committee were also 'honestly handled,' the board said. Kennedy said in a separate announcement that 'a clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science.' 'ACIP new members will prioritize public health and evidence-based medicine. The Committee will no longer function as a rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas,' he added. Since joining the Trump administration in January, Kennedy, who is leading the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative has doubled down on conspiracy theories around shots, including that the measles jab contain 'aborted fetus debris.' 'The MMR vaccine contains millions of particles that are derived from fetal tissue, millions of fragments of human DNA from aborted fetuses,' Kennedy told NBC News' Tom Llamas last month. Kennedy was referring to the combined Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine. Vaccines do not contain aborted fetuses, fetal cells, fetal DNA, or fetal debris, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The rubella component of the vaccine is developed from a fetal cell line known as WI-38 that originally came from the lung tissue of an elective abortion performed more than five decades ago. No new fetal issue has been used since, and cells used today are thousands of times removed from the original source. Health experts are alarmed by Kennedy's suggestions that the measles jab is unsafe, a claim which contradicts decades of research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization declared measles eliminated from the United States in 2000 due to the success of vaccination efforts. International travel and growing vaccine hesitancy are thought to be behind its resurgence. The American Medical Association has said Kennedy's decision to gut ACIP undermines 'trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives.' Kennedy wrote in his op-ed for the Journal that ACIP's new members 'won't directly work for the vaccine industry.' 'They will exercise independent judgment, refuse to serve as a rubber stamp, and foster a culture of critical inquiry—unafraid to ask hard questions.' ACIP is set to hold its next meeting on June 25 at the CDC's headquarters.
