Confirmed case of measles in Ottawa February 2026

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: February 23, 2026          
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Confirmed case of measles in Ottawa

Dear Colleagues,

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has recently confirmed measles infection in an Ottawa resident and is investigating a potential infection in a related individual. At this time, acquisition is thought to be related to ongoing transmission in other regions of Canada. Currently, there is no evidence of transmission in the general community locally, and the risk to the general population remains low.

Identified contacts in the community have been notified directly of their potential exposure to measles. Additional contact tracing and notification are underway.

OPH is advising contacts to monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days from their exposure (until March 10 for the latest exposure, based on our investigation to date). You may be contacted by patients who develop symptoms. Please refer to OPH’s Measles webpage for health care providers for more information on signs and symptoms, testing, management, and immunization. Ensuring that all clinic staff are up to date with their measles vaccination can prevent work exclusions if there is an exposure.

Additional resources from Public Health Ontario that may be helpful include:

• Infection prevention and control checklist for mitigating measles transmission in clinic settings
• Fact Sheet: How to Recognize and Respond to Measles provides a quick reference on seeing patients suspected of having measles

While there is no current measles outbreak in Ontario, ongoing vigilance is required, as we expect occasional measles infections due to ongoing activity in other regions and with onset of the busy travel season.

Immunization provides the best protection against measles infection. Refer to OPH’s Measles webpage and Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for routine and high risk eligibility criteria, including for those travelling to regions with ongoing measles activity.

All persons being tested for measles and all suspected or confirmed cases of measles must be reported to Ottawa Public Health immediately:

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm: Call 613-580-2424 ext. 24224. Leave a detailed, confidential message including your contact information and a Public Health Nurse will call you back.
• After hours and holidays: Call 3-1-1 and ask for the Communicable Disease Manager on-call.