Measles

Measles is a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. Individuals with measles spread the virus by coughing or sneezing into the air. It can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface. Symptoms of measles include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and cough.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles. For children and most adults born after 1970, this means receiving two doses of measles-containing vaccine (e.g., MMR vaccine). Individuals travelling outside of Canada should ensure they are adequately protected through vaccination prior to travelling.

In Ontario, measles has been rare, owing to the successful elimination of measles in Canada due to high immunization coverage. As a result, measles cases are usually associated with travel (often referred to as “measles importations”). Due to an increase in measles activity globally, Ontario has begun to see more cases of measles.

If you are experiencing symptoms of measles, stay at home, and call your health care provider or local public health unit right away. Before seeking medical attention, be sure to contact your health care provider or the healthcare facility prior to your arrival so that the appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of measles. 

To obtain or inquire about an immunization record, or for general immunization information, please contact your local public health unit.

Data as of April 24, 2024:

• In 2024, there have been 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles reported in Ontario.
• Thirteen cases were associated with travel (i.e., acquisition of measles outside of Canada)
• One case occurred in an individual with unknown source of exposure (i.e., no history of travel and no epidemiological link with a confirmed case)
• In 2023, there were seven laboratory-confirmed cases of measles reported in Ontario.

This data will be updated as new information becomes available.

For more information on historical measles data, please refer to the Infectious Disease Trends in Ontario or the surveillance report on Diseases of Public Health Significance Cases .

Featured