Measles surge sparks warning from Canada’s top doctor

A vehicle drives past a sign outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

With many students and families taking a vacation through spring break this March, the country’s top doctor is warning Canadians about the surge in measles in Canada and around the world.

More cases of measles were reported in the first two months of this year than in all of 2024 in Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, the country’s chief public health officer, said in a statement Thursday. As of March 6, there have been 227 confirmed cases of measles in Canada, with many needing to be hospitalized.

Tam called it a “concerning trend,” saying the surge was due to a “noticeable increase” in cases connected to outbreaks in New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

Tam said most of the cases involve “unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children” who contracted the highly contagious disease in environments like daycares, schools and health-care sites.

“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,” Tam said. “I strongly urge all Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles —check to see if you are up-to-date before travelling.”

Tam says people may be vaccinated at least two weeks before departure, though last-minute vaccinations still offer protection.

Some recent measles cases in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia came from travelers who were exposed to the disease in another country, she added.

Measles symptoms and effects

Tam stressed the importance of vaccines, as measles can easily spread and can have severe effects.

“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, with complications including pneumonia, deafness, brain inflammation, and, in severe cases, death,” Tam said in the statement.

Children younger than five years old, adults over 20, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk.

The virus spreads “very easily” through particles in the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact or contaminated objects, according to the Canadian government.

Measles cases are rising around the world, with a “sharp increase” in 2024 compared to 2023, Tam said. The Canadian government says all countries currently have a travel health notice, advising travelers to practice health precautions including having up-to-date vaccinations.