Measles (Red Measles)

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If we believe you may have been exposed to measles, and we have your contact information, we will contact you directly using automated phone messaging, or SMS/text or send you a letter. To protect the privacy of individuals involved, OPH takes every step to notify contacts directly. In the event that OPH is unable to identify or notify contacts of a potential exposure, a public service announcement may be issued to notify the public about potential exposure sites.

Current situation

  • Measles activity increased at the international level in 2024, and a multijurisdictional outbreak affected some regions of Ontario and several other provinces. In 2025, a total of 12 measles infections were confirmed in Ottawa residents, and the outbreak was declared over in Ontario in October. Measles activity is ongoing in other regions of Canada and internationally. 
  • So far in 2026, OPH has confirmed measles infection in 2 related Ottawa residents, linked to ongoing transmission in other regions of Canada. At this time, the risk to the general population continues to remain low in Ottawa.
  • For residents traveling internationally, or to areas where there is a higher risk of exposure to measles due to ongoing outbreaks – please view recommendations.
  • Public Health Ontario (PHO) reports on the number of confirmed measles infections (cases) in Ontario. The latest information on measles activity in Ontario can be found on their website.  

What is measles?

  • Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. It is contagious from 4 days before the rash starts to 4 days after the rash starts. Symptoms of measles can develop 7 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The measles virus lives in the nose and throat of a person who is infected and can be spread through the air (from breathing, coughing, or sneezing). The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
  • Severe complications, while rare, include respiratory failure, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. People at greatest risk for complications related to measles are unvaccinated infants, unvaccinated pregnant people, and people who are immunocompromised. Around 9 out of 10 people who are not fully protected against measles will become infected following close contact with a person who is infected with measles. 
  • The measles is vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine can also be combined with the varicella vaccine (MMR-V) for some populations. MMR and MMR-V are very safe vaccines and very effective against measles. Two doses of measles vaccination are 99% effective at preventing infection in children. 

Travel

Individuals traveling to areas where measles is spreading should make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Talk to a health care provider at least 6 weeks or as early as possible before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

See Travel Health Notices for information on international measles activity.   

Vaccination

Infants

In Ontario infants 6 to 11 months of age do not routinely get a dose of the MMR vaccine, but should get a dose of MMR if they are travelling to an area with increased measles activity. Ottawa is not currently considered an area of higher risk.

Children

Children should get two doses of the measles vaccine – a dose of MMR vaccine at 1 year of age (12 months) and a dose of MMRV vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age (preferably prior to school entry).

For infants who have not yet received a dose of a measles-containing, please see measles vaccination and travel.

Where to get vaccinated (infant and children)

  • Primary healthcare providers and walk-in clinics offer routine vaccines. Call ahead to make sure that the vaccine is available. Pharmacies do not provide routine vaccines, like measles-containing vaccines.
  • Visit our website to see other options, including options for families facing barriers to access.
  • Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child’s vaccines to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). Healthcare providers do not report vaccinations to OPH.

Ways to report your vaccination record (immunization record) to Ottawa Public Health (OPH):

  • Individuals who received doses according to Ontario’s immunization schedule, would have generally received:
    • one dose of measles-containing vaccine, if born from 1967 to 1976
    • two doses of measles-containing vaccine, if born on or after 1977
  • Adults born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired immunity from past exposure to the measles virus. However, some remain susceptible and should be immunized if they are unsure if they had measles or the vaccine.
    • A one-time dose of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is publicly funded (no cost) for this age group (those born before 1970) through a healthcare provider which is strongly recommended for travelers to destinations outside of Canada and students in post-secondary educational settings.
  • Healthcare workers and military personnel are recommended to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine regardless of year of birth.

Where to get vaccinated (adults)

  • Primary health care providers play a key role in supporting their patients in remaining up-to date with their vaccines, especially in advance of any upcoming travel.
  • Adults who do not have access to a primary care provider may get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic or consider getting vaccinated at a travel clinic. To find a travel clinic or walk-in clinic in your area, visit health811.ontario.ca or call 8-1-1 to find a service near you.

For infants and children – please visit “Updating and retrieving your immunization record” on our website.

For adults – please visit “How do I get my immunization record” on our website.

What is Ottawa Public Health’s role?

To minimize the risk of infectious disease in our community, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) routinely conducts case and contact management relating to reports of infectious diseases and outbreaks as outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Infectious Diseases Protocol. When OPH receives a report of a suspected or confirmed infectious disease of public health importance, such as measles, our team initiates an investigation in accordance with the Ministry’s protocol.  Investigations can be complex and typically include a thorough assessment of the risk to the public through client interviews, risk assessment of exposure locations, contact tracing, and determining steps to reduce further transmission of the infection.

To protect the privacy of individuals involved, OPH takes every step to notify contacts directly. In the event that OPH is unable to identify or notify contacts of a potential exposure, a public service announcement may be issued.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reviews immunization records of children attending school or licensed child care centres in Ottawa to ensure that the information is up to date. For the 2025-2026 school year, Ottawa Public Health is sending notifications of incomplete immunizations to students born in 2008 and 2018. This is crucial to protect the health of children during a vaccine preventable disease outbreak, such as measles.

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