Nova Scotia Public Health has declared a three-month measles outbreak in the Northern Zone to be officially over. The zone, which covers the Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou areas, had the localized outbreak declared on July 6. It affected a total of 61 people. There are now no known active measles cases in the province. “This outbreak is a reminder of how quickly and easily measles can spread and affect communities,” said Dr. Cristin Muecke, regional medical officer of health, in a news release. “Across Canada, we’re seeing the consequences of declining vaccination rates. Immunization remains our best defense against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. “We contained this outbreak through a coordinated Public Health response that included testing, contact tracing, vaccination, monitoring, and education.” Public Health encourages people to remain vigilant and ensure their immunizations are up to date. Every person in Nova Scotia born after 1970 should have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine after their first birthday. Measles vaccine appointments can be booked through primary care provider, community pharmacy primary care clinics or Public Health. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
