Measles is making a comeback in Quebec, with public health officials warning hockey fans about a possible exposure at a recent Montreal Canadiens’ game.
From December to March in the province, at least 31 cases were reported and experts point to one cause — declining vaccination rates.
“The unifying theme for all of these places as to why measles is causing outbreaks or is out of control is very simple: low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious disease specialist at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Data from Quebec public health, obtained by Radio-Canada, shows vaccination rates declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s true that during the pandemic, there was difficulty of access. And access is really the key to making vaccination as easy as possible for parents,” said Dr. Nicholas Brousseau, a physician with the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ).
WATCH | COVID-19 meant less access to measles vaccine: Experts say lack of access to the vaccine during the pandemic played …