Pregnancy and the Rising Threat of Measles Outbreaks in Canada

Measles outbreaks are increasingly occurring across Canada, posing significant health risks, especially for pregnant individuals and their unborn children. Despite the resurgence of this highly contagious disease, there remains a noticeable lack of discussion on protective measures for this vulnerable group.

A recent article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) emphasizes the serious consequences of measles during pregnancy. Pregnant women infected with measles face heightened risks of developing complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and even death. Additionally, measles infection during pregnancy substantially increases the likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth. Early intervention with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within six days of exposure can reduce the severity of the infection or help prevent it altogether, although this treatment is typically administered in hospital settings.

According to Dr. Michelle Science, the lead author of the CMAJ article and a staff physician specializing in Infectious Diseases at The Hospital for Sick Children, health professionals should be well-versed in managing measles in pregnant patients. Stringent infection control practices are essential due to the disease’s high infectivity. Preventative strategies focus greatly on ensuring that individuals of reproductive age are vaccinated against measles, which can prevent complications for both mother and child.

Dr. Michelle Barton, head of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Children’s Hospital, LHSC, and associate professor at Western University, warns about the devastating impacts of maternal measles infection. She highlights that some infants born to infected mothers may face immediate or long-term health problems. "Measles during pregnancy is severe and deserves more awareness," Barton states.

Moreover, Dr. Catherine Varner, deputy editor of CMAJ and an emergency medicine physician, underscores the importance of having specialized care pathways for pregnant women exposed to measles. She advocates for urgent access to IVIG for susceptible pregnant women and calls on hospitals to update protocols aimed at minimizing further infection risks.

Given the current outbreaks combined with Canada's lowest fertility rate on record, experts argue that protecting pregnant women should be a public health priority. The article stresses that pregnant individuals are often at higher risk during infectious disease outbreaks and should not be overlooked in preventive measures.

In conclusion, with measles making a significant comeback in Canada, especially affecting pregnant individuals, public health initiatives must prioritize vaccination, swift treatment access, and tailored clinical care to safeguard maternal and fetal health.