‘Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, with complications including pneumonia, deafness, brain inflammation, and, in severe cases, death,’ says Dr. Theresa Tam
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Medical experts are urging Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated for the measles virus, especially if they intend to travel for March break.
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“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,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, in a Public Health Agency of Canada statement released last week. “I strongly urge all Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles — check to see if you are up-to-date before travelling.”
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Often a time when Canadian parents and their children head south, this spring break there may be some concerns given recent measles deaths in Texas and New Mexico.
“Canada’s Health Portfolio has a longstanding history of constructive bilateral engagement with U.S. health agencies and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to connect with U.S. Centres for Disease Control colleagues, as required, to exchange information on various public health issues, including measles,” according to a PHAC email to the National Post.
Though parents are still advised by PHAC to contact the CDC to learn more about exposure risks in the U.S.
“In 2024, we saw a sharp increase in measles cases globally compared to 2023,” says Tam. “In Canada this concerning trend has continued with more cases reported in the first two months of 2025 than in all of 2024.”
In her statement, she highlighted the risks posed by low vaccination rates among school-aged children and called for urgent action in Canada to prevent further spread. As of March 6, Tam noted, Canada has recorded 227 measles cases this year, many requiring hospitalization. Most cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities, such as in social events, daycares, schools and health-care settings, the statement reads.
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“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, with complications including pneumonia, deafness, brain inflammation, and, in severe cases, death,” says Dr. Tam.
Cases can also occur when unvaccinated individuals travel to or from areas where measles is circulating, she adds.
Here’s what we know about measles outbreaks in Canada.
Where has measles hit hardest in Canada this year?
Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have been particularly affected this year.
Ontario is experiencing the largest outbreak, with 115 confirmed cases reported as of late February 2025. Most cases are linked to a multi-jurisdictional outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024, when a travel-related case resulted in 50 confirmed cases in Fredericton and the Upper Saint John River Valley. It was declared over on Jan.7, 2025. Most of the cases involved unvaccinated individuals. Three required hospitalization.
The outbreak has spread rapidly in areas like Brantford and surrounding counties, making it Ontario’s largest measles outbreak in over 25 years. Between 2013 and 2023, Ontario reported an average of 10 cases per year.
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The National Post has reached out for comment from Ontario’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, but has yet to receive a response.
Quebec has reported 24 confirmed cases in 2025, with outbreaks primarily concentrated in urban centers like Montreal. The province is dealing with its second outbreak in recent years, following a significant one in 2024
Manitoba has recorded five cases so far in 2025, some of which are linked to the ongoing outbreak originating from New Brunswick and Ontario.
How has measles become a virus increasingly picked up during travel?
A sharp increase in global measles cases, with over 320,000 confirmed worldwide in 2024, has heightened the risk of importation through international travel. Travellers exposed abroad have brought the virus back to Canada, contributing to outbreaks.
Imported cases from countries where measles remains endemic have already contributed to outbreaks in Canada.
Three cases of measles infection were confirmed in the Lower Mainland of B.C. this year. Fraser Health determined all three infections were acquired by Fraser Health residents who travelled abroad to Southeast Asia in the same travel party.
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In Ontario, measles has been rare due to elimination of the disease in Canada and high immunization coverage. As a result, measles cases have typically been predominantly associated with travel (often referred to as “measles importations”). Due to an increase in measles activity globally in 2024, Ontario began to see more cases of measles.
For people who are exposed to measles and not protected, officials recommend self-isolation at home from the fifth day following first exposure until 14 days after the last exposure.
How have vaccination rates unfolded recently in Canada?
Vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have dropped to approximately 82.5 per cent, far below the 95 per cent needed for herd immunity. This decline is attributed to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, for example, rates for seven-year-olds dropped to 79 per cent, down from 87 per cent in 2017, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Other reports suggest vaccinations rates have varied geographically and can create pockets of outbreak risk, reports the CBC. Alberta’s overall rate for children up to age seven fell from 86% in 2019 to 78% in 2021. Rates fell to 32 percent in one northern Alberta municipality, according to a research team at Simon Fraser University. Their modelling suggests vaccine coverage of less than 85 per cent can lead to dozens or even hundreds of cases within small communities.
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As a result, officials are strongly emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the primary defence against measles. Public health officials are ramping up vaccination campaigns and advising Canadians to take preventive measures during travel and community gatherings.
They recommend two doses of measles-containing vaccine for children, typically given at 12 months and 18 months of age. At least one dose of measles-containing vaccine for adults born in or after 1970.
Public health agencies are implementing enhanced surveillance measures, including real-time notifications of suspected and confirmed cases to enable early detection of outbreaks.
What is involved in getting vaccinated in Canada?
When a vaccine is required, it should be administered at least two weeks before departure, but even last-minute vaccinations offer protection.
For people who are not immune to measles…over 90 per cent of those exposed to the virus will become infected. Those at higher risk include children under five, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised individuals.
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Before travelling, Canadians are being urged to do the following:
- Infants (6 to 12 months old) travelling to high-risk areas receive an early measles vaccine dose — consult a health-care provider for guidance.
- Children and adolescents receive both doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
- Adults born in 1970 or later receive both doses of a measles-containing vaccine
- Those born before 1970 receive one dose if not immune, particularly if travelling to an area with active transmission.
Health officials are advising Canadians to be aware of measles risks when traveling and to consult travel health notices for current global measles status.
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