A premature infant who contracted measles Before the death of birth in southwest Ontario, says the head doctor of the province, says,
According to Dr. Kieran Moore, the infant’s mother was not vaccinated against measles.
In a statement on Thursday, he said that although measles was able to contribute both to premature and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.
He presented condolences to the family and thanked the support of health care providers involved.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult period,” he said. “I would also like to thank the dedicated health care professionals who cared for both the mother and the infant with compassion and expertise.”
Dr. Ninh Tran, Southwestern Public Health health doctor, also published a declaration on the death of the infant.
“This is a new devastator for the community, and we offer our sincere thoughts to the family,” said Tran. “We will not share additional details for the moment to respect the privacy of the family.”
Tran added that the tragedy highlights the poses of measles at serious risk to pregnant people, saying that the virus “can cause low birth weight for the baby, premature birth and miscarriage”.
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Slyvia Jones, Vice-Minister and Minister of Health, described news as “deeply disturbing” when they express themselves with journalists at an unrelated press conference on Thursday.
“We have had a measles vaccine in Canada and worldwide for almost five decades, and yet we still have individuals – who for many different reasons – choose not to be vaccinated,” said Jones.
“Our several million dollars campaign on social networks is this reminder to people of importance, and frankly, the risks of not obtaining a vaccine. So I hope that today’s terrible news will really refent people’s conversations with their primary care practitioners. ”
The infant’s death occurs while Ontario continues to fight an epidemic of measles which has reported more than 2,000 people in the province since October 2024.
As of June 3, Ontario reported 1,729 confirmed cases and 280 probable cases, including 140 hospitalizations. The majority of infected people were not vaccinated or had an unknown immunization status.
Health officials say that the virus is particularly dangerous for infants and those who have not been vaccinated. Measures is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and premature birth and, in rare cases, death.
Moore urges Ontarians, in particular those who plan to become pregnant, to ensure that they are fully immune.
“Anyone who is not vaccinated is in danger and I urge everyone, but especially those who can become pregnant, to ensure that they have received two doses of the ROR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and a baby,” he said.
Common symptoms include high fever, rash, koplik spots, cough and flowing nose.
Health managers urge anyone who is not sure of their measles vaccination status or child vaccination status, to contact a health care provider or a local public health unit.
– with files Aaron d’Andrea