While health officials across Canada are alarmed with the rising rate of measles cases, the Department of Health says there are no reported cases of the highly infectious disease in Newfoundland and Labrador.

So far this year 95 measles cases have been confirmed in Canada, mostly based in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

The number is alarming and is creeping rapidly toward the 147 total confirmed cases reported across the country last year.

Measles was announced to be eliminated in Canada in 1998, thanks to high childhood vaccination rates.

Complications from measles include a tell-tale rash, respiratory failure, encephalitis, and death. Long-term effects can include blindness, deafness and permanent neurological damage.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is offered to all children at 12 to 18 months of age. Immunization rates in Newfoundland and Labrador last year were at 90 per cent.