Lethbridge measles outbreak prompts vaccine clinics

Vaccine clinics are being offered in Lethbridge, Alta., after it was confirmed two students have been treated for measles.

• Confirmed measles case in Lethbridge prompts AHS alert

Dr.VivienSuttorp, the medical officer of health for the south zone,says the biggest concern is the low rate of immunization because it is well beyond the requirements for herd immunity meaning a larger risk ofoutbreak.

Suttorp says classmates who haven't had the MMR (measles mumps rubella)vaccine and were exposed to the two students will be quarantined at home for 21 days.

• Listen toSuttorp's full interview on The Homestretch below.

The provincial measles, mumps and rubella vaccineimmunization ratein Alberta is84 per cent, but drops to 61 per cent inLethbridge County and79 per cent in Lethbridge. Suttorpsays more than 85 per cent is needed for the best community immunity.

"You have sub-optimal vaccination rates, so you have a large proportion of susceptible individuals in that population and that's how these sort of diseases and measles is very, very contagious ... spread," saidDr. Glen Armstrong,a microbiologist at the University of Calgary.

Suttorpsaid measles has significant impacts on children.

"Measles is still a concerning disease," she said. "There is a reason why we have vaccines for measles, andwould like to eradicate measles world-wide no different than polio."

Alberta Health Services (AHS)has opened a portable isolation containment tent outside the Chinook Regional Hospital.

"Medical staff will be able to direct patients with suspected measles away from physician offices and emergency departments to minimize exposure and contamination within the facilities," said health officials in a release.

The push now is on to contain the virus.Alberta Health Services is holdingpublic immunization clinics in Lethbridge for babies aged six months to a year.

"Because of the current situation, the MMR vaccine is available to younger infants, said Suttorp.

It is safe and effective. Infants will still require the regular immunization at one year and again at four to sixyears of age.

• Autism and MMR vaccine controversy
• Parents more wary of immunizing kids, report says
• Measles, mumps vaccine safe for children: study

Kathleen Prince hasn't immunized her kids for measles and says it's the topic of family debate right now.

"Ihave family members whoare pro-vaccination and family members whoare against it," she said. "I'm on the fence."

People outside theLethbridgearea who want to be immunized are being advised to contact their local public health office to see if theirvaccinations are up-to-date.

AHS says symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyesand a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts.

The rash typically begins behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body, and finally to the arms and legs. Measles can spread by coughing and sneezing, or through air currents. Because it is an airborne disease, it is extremely contagious.

There is no cure for measles, but it can be prevented with vaccination.