The Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth worries about unvaccinated people due to the growing list of potential measles exposures in the region.
Dr. Miraim Klassen said she would not be surprised to see case numbers rise. However, she is optimistic that the number of infections will level off.
"Across the Ontario numbers, there's a bit of stabilization," Klassen explained. "Now, of course, you know, it moves from one geography to the next to the next, so there's going to be little ups and downs within that. But until we can look back, it's impossible to say for sure. But there needs a civilization numbers going up, so not growing exponentially."
As of April 9, there were 94 probable and confirmed measles cases in Huron Perth, mostly in unvaccinated people.
"Where people are un or under-vaccinated, and measles being so highly infectious, it is impacting people there," Klassen explained. "Whereas if you had your two immunizations. It's 97 per cent effective at preventing measles."
Klassen said she is concerned with the growing list of possible exposure incidents but stressed that people can protect themselves through vaccination.
"What we are seeing is that really the vast majority of the cases are happening in people who are unimmunized," Klassen pointed out.
Measles vaccine eligibility has been expanded for people who live, work, play, travel to, or worship within the Huron Perth Public Health region.
"In Huron Perth, starting at six months, children are now eligible for their first measles shot," Klassen continued. "Normally, it doesn't start till 12 months. But one thing you can do is talk to your primary care provider or access point of our clinics to get that expanded eligibility, which is happening right now because of the measles cases in Huron Perth."
A second dose of measles-containing vaccine for children can be given before the age of four in consultation with a person's healthcare provider. In Ontario, most children get a measles booster dose between the ages of four and six. It is strongly recommended for under-immunized children who are in school or childcare to receive the measles vaccine.