Public health officials are concerned about the return of a disease once considered eliminated in Canada. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, is making a significant comeback across multiple provinces, with Ontario and Quebec bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
Measles is making a comeback in Canada. What’s driving the surge? (Source: GlobalNews)
The Current Situation
As of March 2025, Canada is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in over a decade. Ontario has reported 350 cases associated with an outbreak that began in October 2024, with 173 of these cases emerging just in the last few weeks.
Quebec is facing its second outbreak, with 36 confirmed cases this year. Alberta has also recently confirmed cases in both Calgary and Edmonton.
Overall, Canada has recorded 227 measles cases in just the first two months of 2025 – already surpassing the total for all of 2024.
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Who’s Being Affected?
The data reveals some concerning patterns:
- In Ontario, about 96% of infections are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status
- Children and adolescents make up 74% of Ontario’s cases, with 93.8% of these young patients being unvaccinated
- 31 people have required hospitalization in Ontario, including one child who needed intensive care
- Almost all hospitalized patients (30 out of 31) were unvaccinated
“This is the most measles cases Ontario has seen in over a decade,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health. “It is critical we work together to mitigate further spread of this vaccine-preventable disease.”
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How Did This Happen?
Several factors have contributed to this resurgence:
- Declining vaccination rates: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination coverage has dropped to approximately 82.5% – well below the 95% needed for community immunity
- Post-pandemic gaps: Many children missed routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic
- International travel: The initial cases were associated with travel, bringing the virus back to Canada
- High contagiousness: Measles is one of the most infectious diseases, with one case potentially leading to 12-18 secondary cases in unvaccinated populations
Is Canada prepared for a measles outbreak? Many health officials are on high alert. (Source: TheGlobeandMail)
Understanding Measles
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the person has left the area.
What makes measles particularly challenging is that an infected person can spread the virus from four days before developing the characteristic rash until four days after its onset.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Initial symptoms: Fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Rash: A red blotchy rash appears 3-7 days after symptoms begin, starting behind the ears and on the face before spreading to the rest of the body
- The rash typically lasts 4-7 days, with recovery taking 2-3 weeks
Potential Complications:
- Ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea
- Respiratory failure and brain swelling (encephalitis) in severe cases
- Pregnant individuals may experience miscarriage or premature labor
- In rare cases, death
Public Health Response
Health authorities across Canada are working diligently to contain the outbreak:
- Public alerts about potential exposure locations and times
- Recommendations for vaccination
- Instructions for isolation and when to seek medical care
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, has expressed concern: “As we move through spring break travel season, I am concerned that the global rise in measles cases, combined with declining vaccination rates among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to more illness and more community transmission.”
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Protecting Yourself and Your Family
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is:
- 95% effective after one dose
- Nearly 100% effective after two doses
- Safe and has been used for over 50 years
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status:
- Check your immunization records
- Consult your healthcare provider
- Consider vaccination if you were born after 1970 and haven’t received the recommended doses
For parents, ensure your children receive their vaccines on schedule:
- First dose: 12-15 months of age (can be given as early as 6 months if at higher risk)
- Second dose: 4-6 years of age
What To Do If Exposed
If you’ve been exposed to measles:
- Check your vaccination status
- Watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure
- If symptoms develop, stay home and call Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care
- Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others
Looking Forward
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist with University Health Network, reminds us: “There’s this misconception that this was just a routine childhood illness that everyone used to get decades ago, and everyone was fine. This can have significant morbidity and even mortality associated with it.”
As this outbreak evolves, staying informed and taking preventive measures will be essential to protecting individual and public health.
The current situation is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the return of diseases we once thought were behind us.Let’s keep this meaningful conversation going! Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay connected and join the movement for a healthier healthcare workforce.
