“If you are immune, you can go back to school or work, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
– CPHO Dr. Kami Kandola on Cabin Radio
Two schools in Yellowknife were closed on Monday as a safety measure, after one case of measles was confirmed by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).
It’s the first known case in the NWT since 2019 of the infectious virus that can be airborne or on a contaminated surface. Fully measles vaccinated individuals can just go about their daily routines.
“You just have to be vigilant during this period, but be aware that we have had one case, and we had a very good history of all the areas where that individual could have exposed others,” CPHO Dr. Kami Kandola told Cabin Radio in a live-streamed Monday afternoon interview.
NWT CPHO Dr. Kami Kandola. (CKLB files)
As for infants who might not be fully vaccinated, Kandola said until more information is known, “(parents, caregivers) should be trying to avoid large public spaces where there’s lots of individuals … measles can be aerosolized and can linger up to two hours.
“If they’re outdoors, it should be fine, or if they’re with people that they know who are fully immunized or not exposed, it shouldn’t be of concern.”
In addition to St. Patrick High School and Weledeh Catholic School, CPHO Dr. Kami Kandola released a list of other Yellowknife locations the person with measles was at from Sunday April 27th to Friday May 2nd.
Those are:
- Breakaway Fitness, on the morning of April 27th;
- the downtown Tim Hortons at lunchtime on April 28th;
- the gymnasium and atrium at Range Lake North School in the late afternoon on April 28th;
- and Sir John Franklin High School on the afternoon of May 2nd.
Weledeh School will re-open on Tuesday, but St. Pat’s will stay closed, Yellowknife Catholic Schools announced Monday afternoon.
Weledeh Catholic School. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
The Junior Super Soccer tournament last weekend is NOT considered an exposure event at this time, stated a CPHO release.
Reports indicate organizers late Monday cancelled the anticipated Senior Super Soccer tournament out of an abundance of caution.
Measles signs and symptoms appear on average 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Signs and symptoms typically include fever, a dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a skin rash of large, flat red blotches, usually starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
The measles virus can be spread by a person a day before they become unwell usually four days before a measles rash appears until four days after the rash appears, meaning they can unknowingly spread the disease before showing any symptoms.
Dangerous medical complications can result in some cases.
Any individuals who were in one of those locations listed above — only during the dates and times specified — should stay home, isolate and contact Yellowknife Public Health at 867-767-9120 if they are not protected against measles. Those individuals should not visit Yellowknife Public Health in-person.
Dr. Kandola told Cabin Radio: “For those at higher risk for measles, stay home and monitor your symptoms. If you are immune, you can go back to school or work, it shouldn’t be a problem. But if you’re not fully protected, stay home until we have guidance from public health on the next steps.”
There have been multiple cases of measles across Canada and the United States in recent times, transmitted mainly by people who developed vaccine hesitancy from untrustworthy information sources.
Fear of autism was the most cited reason for measles vaccine hesitancy. The combination measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used for decades.
The February 2019 case involved an international air passenger who arrived in Inuvik, traveling through Yellowknife and Norman Wells on February 13th. The CPHO issued and advisory and later declared an outbreak in Inuvik.
In March 2024, Yellowknife Public Health adjusted operations to meet increased demand for measles vaccination appointments, prompted by a measles alert issued by Dr. Kandola’s office.
