Measles cases are rising in Ontario, putting pregnant people and their babies at risk. Experts are calling for better prenatal screening for measles antibodies and urging vaccination before pregnancy.

Ontario

Health experts in Ontario are raising concerns about the increasing number of measles cases, particularly the risks posed to pregnant people and their babies. Pregnant individuals who contract measles are at a significantly higher risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, hepatitis, miscarriage, stillbirth, and death. Recent data show that 39 people have been infected in the current outbreak, with six infants born already infected.

Experts recommend that those planning to become pregnant ensure they are vaccinated, as the measles vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. Routine prenatal testing does not typically screen for measles immunity, prompting calls for improved screening practices. The outbreak has also resulted in the death of a premature baby who contracted measles before birth from an unvaccinated mother.

Health experts warn of measles risks for pregnant people

Julia O'Reilly is due to give birth to her first child next month. She's vaccinated against measles which can help protect her and her baby. But she still worries as cases keep climbing in Ontario. We do what we can but hope that others also do what they can as well. In the Canadian Medical Association journal experts warn pregnant people with measles are at a higher risk of pneumonia, hepatitis and at a tenfold higher risk of death than those who are not pregnant. We would want to know that every woman who is planning to get pregnant is vaccinated because measles in a pregnancy can have complications including death. According to Public Health Ontario during this outbreak 39 people have been infected with measles about two percent of the province's cases and six infants have been born already infected. The virus can lead to serious outcomes. The other things that we think about are the risk of spontaneous abortion that means miscarriage and then of course there can be an increased risk of fetal demise as well which means babies passing away or still birth. Last week Canada recorded its first death linked to the outbreak. A premature baby with other serious underlying medical conditions contracted measles before birth from its unvaccinated mother. Ontario health officials say the virus was a contributing factor. Experts say vaccination before pregnancy is the best protection because the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. If someone is pregnant and unvaccinated and is exposed to measles they can get an antibody therapy to reduce the risk. For those unsure about their vaccine status routine prenatal testing doesn't usually screen for measles to see if patients are protected. This is something we definitely have to reflect on as we see the growing numbers. As Canada's largest outbreak in years continues. Alison Northcott, CBC News, Montreal.

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Breakdown