Measles Outbreak: A Growing Concern for Summer Camps

As the school year comes to a close and summer camps prepare to welcome children, public health officials and camp directors are sounding the alarm about the growing risk of measles outbreaks. With multiple provinces experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks, camps are being advised to take precautions and prepare for the possibility of infections.

A Rising Concern

Measles, a highly contagious and potentially serious disease, has been making headlines in recent months. Ontario, in particular, has been hit hard, with 1,888 cases reported since last October. Other provinces, including Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, have also seen outbreaks. As a result, public health units are urging summer camps to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Preparing for the Worst

Camp directors, like Jack Goodman of Camp New Moon in Baysville, Ontario, are taking the threat of measles seriously. "We’ve essentially said that immunization against measles this year is like a small insurance policy — it’s your ticket to stay in camp," Goodman explained. While there is no mandatory immunization requirement for summer camps, Goodman’s camp will be collecting immunization records from all campers and staff.

The Importance of Immunization Records

In the event of a measles outbreak, camps will be required to provide immunization status details to the health unit quickly. Those who are not fully immunized will need to be isolated, and anyone who tests positive will likely have to go home and isolate for 21 days. Dr. Ninh Tran, the medical officer of health at Ontario’s Southwestern Public Health, emphasized the importance of having immunization records on hand. "If you’ve got your kid’s (two) doses, and you have the records of that, I think that’ll be great," he said.

A Drop in Vaccination Rates

Unfortunately, vaccination rates for measles have been declining in recent years. According to Public Health Ontario, only 70% of seven-year-olds in the province were fully vaccinated against measles in the 2023-24 school year, compared to over 90% of 17-year-olds. A Canadian Journal of Public Health article published in October 2024 found a similar drop in seven-year-olds’ measles vaccinations nationwide.

What Parents Can Do

So, what can parents do to protect their children from measles? First and foremost, ensure that your child is fully immunized. If your child is not up to date on their vaccinations, consider getting them caught up before sending them to summer camp. Additionally, make sure to provide the camp with your child’s immunization records.

The Risks of Measles

Measles is a serious disease that can have severe consequences, particularly for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. According to the World Health Organization, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.

The Importance of Vigilance

While measles cases tend to occur more in the winter and spring than during the summer, public health officials are urging camps to be prepared and vigilant. "That’s why we’re communicating with camp operators in terms of what they can do to prepare themselves for measles and to take steps to prevent that," Dr. Tran explained.

Mandatory Vaccinations: A Growing Support

A recent poll released by the Angus Reid Institute found that nearly 70% of Canadians support mandatory childhood vaccinations for schools and daycares. As the debate around mandatory vaccinations continues, one thing is clear: protecting children from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is a top priority.

Conclusion

As summer camps prepare to welcome children, it’s essential that parents, camp directors, and public health officials work together to prevent the spread of measles. By ensuring that children are fully immunized, providing immunization records, and taking precautions, we can help keep our kids safe and healthy. Remember, immunization against measles is like a small insurance policy — it’s your ticket to a fun and healthy summer camp experience.

Content originally published by globalnews.ca