Measles (Red Measles)

⚠Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the City’s first confirmed cases of measles since 2019. Read our public service announcement, also available in French, Arabic, Somali, and Farsi.

⚠ 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. The message will clearly identify that it was sent by Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and will provide you with next steps. 

Current measles situation 

In Canada and Ontario

Measles has historically been a rare disease in Canada, as it has been successfully eliminated through high immunization coverage. Measles infections have therefore typically been associated with international travel to regions where measles continues to spread.

Measles activity increased at the international level in 2024. In October 2024, a travel-related measles infection at a gathering in New Brunswick led to measles infections among Ontario residents. Ontario continues to be part of a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak with transmission occurring in Western Ontario and several other provinces. The outbreak is predominantly affecting those who are not vaccinated against measles. In addition to outbreak associated cases, there are a smaller number of non-outbreak cases in Ontario that are linked to international travel.

Public Health Ontario reports on the number of measles cases in Ontario. Stay up to date on the situation in Ontario by visiting their website to read their weekly report. 

In Ottawa

As of May 6, 2025, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has had two confirmed measles infections among Ottawa residents in 2025. These infections were acquired while travelling internationally and are not related to the ongoing measles outbreak in some regions of Western Ontario. No transmission of measles has been identified in Ottawa in 2025. At this time, the risk to the general population remains low in Ottawa.

There are currently no changes to the routine vaccination schedule for Ottawa residents, including infants (6 to 11 months) and children (1 to 4 years). Children should continue to receive their first dose of a measles-containing vaccine at 12 months of age, and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. See “Measles vaccination and travel” for additional vaccine recommendations that may apply for those travelling internationally or visiting regions in Ontario and Canada affected by the ongoing outbreak.

Measles is preventable, see who needs a measles vaccine below “vaccination for infants and children” and “vaccination for adults”.

For residents traveling internationally, or to areas where there is a higher risk of exposure to measles due to ongoing outbreaks – please view the latest recommendations.

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. If you have had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with measles, it is important to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after your last exposure. 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 best way you can protect yourself and others against measles is by getting the measles vaccine. This 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.

Signs and symptoms
⚠Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the City’s first confirmed cases of measles since 2019. Read our public service announcement.

Symptoms of measles may develop 7 to 21 days after exposure to an infected person. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may appear in the mouth and throat. A red blotchy rash begins to appear on the face 3 to 7 days after the start of symptoms, then spreads down the body to the arms and legs. This rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Symptoms generally last from 1 to 2 weeks.

What should I do if I was exposed to someone with measles?
⚠Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the City’s first confirmed cases of measles since 2019. Read our public service announcement.

Depending on the situation, your vaccination history, and other risk factors, a public health official may advise you of the need to stay home from work or school, get tested, get preventive treatment or get vaccinated. 

What should I do if I have symptoms of measles?
⚠Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the City’s first confirmed cases of measles since 2019. Read our public service announcement.

If you develop symptoms of measles, you should be assessed by a health care provider. When contacting your health care provider, notify them of your symptoms and whether you have recently been exposed to measles. You should also wear a medical grade mask to the appointment. In the meantime, stay at home to avoid potentially exposing other people (“home isolation”) and defer any non-urgent medical appointments.

Your health care provider will determine whether testing for measles is necessary. Measles is diagnosed by a urine sample and/or a nasopharyngeal swab. Blood testing can be done but is not required for diagnosing measles.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department. Advise them of your symptoms, whether you were exposed to measles, and wear a medical grade mask. Follow any instructions at the emergency department for those who have symptoms of measles.

Travel

International Travel:

Individuals traveling to areas where measles outbreaks are occurring 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 measles activity internationally.   

Travel to areas at higher risk of measles exposure:

With the increased number of measles infections in Western Ontario, and the movement of individuals between regions, the best way to prevent infection is to ensure that you and your children are protected against measles.

In Ontario, areas currently considered higher risk include Chatham-Kent Public Health, Grey Bruce Public Health, Lambton Public Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit, Region of Waterloo, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Southwestern Public Health, Grand Erie Public Health, and  Huron Perth Public Health. You can use the Public Health Unit Locator tool to determine if your travel destination falls within one of these regions. Ottawa is currently not considered an area of higher risk.

The following additional measles vaccination recommendations are in effect for individuals who travel (e.g., visit family) to the above-mentioned affected regions:

  • Infants (6-11 months): Should receive one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two additional doses are required after the age of one year to ensure long-term protection.
  • Children (1-4 years): Children who have received their first dose of MMR vaccine are encouraged to receive a second dose as soon as possible (at a minimum of four weeks from the first MMR dose or dose of the varicella vaccine).
  • Adults (18+ years) born on or after 1970: A second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended, for those who have not had two doses.
  • Adults (18+ years) born before 1970: One dose of MMR vaccine (total) is recommended.

 See Public Health Ontario's Routine and Outbreak-related Measles Immunization Schedules for more information

Vaccination 

Vaccination for children and youth

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 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 Parenting in Ottawa webpage 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):

  • Fax: 613-580-9660

Vaccination for adults
  • 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.

Unsure of your vaccination status?


A picture of Ontario's Personal Immunization RecordFor infants and children – please visit “Updating and retrieving your immunization record” on our Parenting in Ottawa immunization webpage

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

 

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 2024-2025 school year Ottawa Public Health has sent notifications of incomplete immunizations to students born in 2007 and 2017. This is crucial to protect the health of children during a vaccine preventable disease outbreak, such as measles.

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