Algoma Public Health Tackles Measles Outbreak Through Trust

A recent measles outbreak in the Algoma region of Canada has resulted in a total of 151 confirmed cases, prompting public health officials to emphasize the importance of community trust and accurate information in combating misinformation. Once considered eradicated in the country since 1998, the resurgence of this highly contagious disease earlier this year has raised significant concerns among health authorities.

Public health officials attribute part of the outbreak to misinformation. “Misinformation can absolutely lead to very real and serious health consequences,” stated Jennifer Loo, medical officer of health with Algoma Public Health. She noted that institutional mistrust may have contributed to the number of unvaccinated individuals during the outbreak.

In response to the outbreak, Algoma Public Health undertook several initiatives, including patient follow-ups, health-care provider consultations, contact tracing, and advising infected individuals to self-isolate. Loo highlighted the critical role of community relationships in the response efforts, stating that effective communication and trust enabled health authorities to guide residents toward vaccination and preventive measures.

“The successful control of our measles outbreak really hinged upon the good relationships and trusting relationships we had with community members,” Loo said. She noted that the health unit managed to immunize around 110 individuals who were previously unvaccinated during the outbreak, providing them with protection not only for the present but also for future health.

Community engagement included issuing news releases regarding potential measles exposure sites. Loo pointed out the rapid contagiousness of the virus, explaining that “someone with measles can come into a room, cough, leave, and a couple of hours later — that virus is still in the air.” Fortunately, no transmission occurred in public settings, indicating successful case contact management.

The health unit’s approach to misinformation will be particularly relevant as it revises its strategic plan, which had not been updated in five years. At a meeting on September 24, 2023, the board of health approved a request for proposals to hire an external consultant to assist in this process. Loo expressed the need to adapt to rapidly changing external factors, including climate change, re-emerging infectious diseases, and the evolving political landscape.

“Thinking about these specific issues in the context of what we do now can be very timely and important to how we approach the next few years,” she stated. The lessons learned during the measles outbreak echo those from the COVID-19 pandemic, where misinformation also proliferated. Loo described the pandemic as an “infodemic,” with information being shared at an unprecedented pace.

Algoma Public Health served as a “knowledge broker” during the pandemic, striving to provide reliable information to the community. Loo remarked, “At the end of the day, we’re made up of people who live and work right alongside the people that we serve.” The relationships built during the pandemic have proven invaluable in addressing the recent measles outbreak and will continue to guide future health initiatives.