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A vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella is presented on a counter in a pediatric clinic in Greenbrae, CA on February 6, 2015. The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a statement to remind to Canadians that measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. disease and getting vaccinated is the best protection.
Eric Risberg / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TORONTO – The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a statement to remind Canadians that measles is a serious and highly infectious disease and that getting vaccinated is the best protection.
This statement follows an outbreak of nine cases of measles in Vancouver that began after an unvaccinated Canadian child contracted the disease while on a family trip to Vietnam.
Measles causes high fever, coughing, sneezing, and a generalized painful rash. The infection can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis and can be fatal.
The Public Health Agency said the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine given at two doses helped prevent the disease by almost 100%.
The agency urges Canadians to make sure their vaccines are up to date, especially as they travel out of the country.
People who can not be vaccinated, including infants, people with certain underlying health problems and those who undergo chemotherapy, depend on high levels of immunity in the communities to protect them from the disease.
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