Measles on the Move in Canada: What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

Lately, measles has popped up more in Canada than it has in years and it is something every traveler and parent should know about. Even though measles was once considered to be completely eliminated, a new outbreak has changed that.

What’s Going On Right Now?

From January to mid-April 2025, Canada reported a whopping 1,069 confirmed or probable measles cases across seven provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island. This is way more than in all of 2024.

This spike traces back to one case imported into New Brunswick in October 2024, which then spread through under-vaccinated communities across several provinces. In Ontario alone, a heartbreaking measles-related death was reported in a premature baby who caught it from their unvaccinated mother.

So, What Is Measles and How Does It Spread?

Measles is a virus that spreads through the air when someone coughs, sneezes, breathes, and even singing or talking in a shared space. The virus can hang around in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. On top of that, you can catch it by touching a surface with the virus and then touching your face.

If you are not immune and you’re near a sick person, your chance of getting measles is high, some studies estimate around 90% for people who haven’t had it or the vaccine. That’s why it spreads so fast.

What Does Measles Feel Like?

Initially, it feels like a stubborn cold, with a high fever, sneezing, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then, a few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on your face and spreads all over your body. For most people, it gets better after about a week.

But it can be dangerous; 1 in 10 get ear or lung infections, 1 in 1,000 get brain swelling, and 1 to 3 out of 1,000 may die. The risk is higher in young kids, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems. Measles can even weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick from other illnesses later.

Why Do Outbreaks Happen?

Outbreaks like this happen when people are not fully vaccinated. In Canada, vaccination rates dropped from about 90% in 2019 to 83% in 2023. This is well below the 95% needed to protect the community. This decline is largely due to the disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In some communities like close-knit religious groups, vaccination messages don’t always reach people making exemptions more common.

How Can We Stop Measles from Spreading?

Good news is that measles is completely preventable and here is how to do it:

• Get the MMR vaccine, that is measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses are about 97% effective against measles.

• If you are traveling or in a community with outbreaks, talk to your doctor. Infants 6–11 months might get an early dose, but they still need the standard doses later.

• If someone is exposed and is not fully protected, post-exposure vaccination or immune globulin may help reduce how sick they get.

• Keep unwell people home as measles is contagious from about four days before the rash shows up to four days after.

The Takeaway

Canada’s measles cases are rising more than they have in years. But this virus is preventable with some simple steps. Vaccines are safe, highly effective, and the best way to keep ourselves safe.