Canada Faces Highest Measles Cases in Decades
OTTAWA — May 8, 2024 — The 5 Ws are in play as Canada grapples with a significant increase in measles cases, with the highest numbers in decades. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 1,800 cases have been reported across the nation.The outbreak, concentrated in Ontario and spreading to other provinces, has raised concerns among public health officials. The death of a child has been reported. For more information, carry on reading.
Canada Faces highest Measles Cases in Decades
Canada is experiencing a meaningful resurgence of measles, with nearly 1,800 cases reported since the start of the year. This marks the highest annual number of infections since 1995, raising concerns among public health officials.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Case Count: Nearly 1,800 cases reported since the beginning of the year.
- Past Comparison: Highest annual number since 1995 (2,366 cases).
- Eradication Status: Canada was declared measles-free in 1998.
- Recent Spike: 329 new cases reported during the week of April 20-26.
- Local Transmission: 88% of cases in Canada are due to local transmission.
- Hotspot: Ontario is at the center of the epidemic,with over 1,400 infections.
The Resurgence of Measles
After achieving official measles eradication status in 1998, Canada has seen a concerning rise in cases. From 1998 to 2024, the country averaged about 91 cases annually. Though, the current outbreak far surpasses these figures.
Did You Know?
Measles was declared eliminated in the Americas in 2016, but imported cases and subsequent outbreaks continue to occur.
The number of weekly cases has been steadily increasing since the beginning of 2025. Public health authorities reported 329 new cases across the country during the week of April 20 to 26 alone.
Geographic Spread
The outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and has since spread to other provinces. Ontario is currently the epicenter, with initial cases linked to a Mennonite gathering. Cases in Alberta have been traced to individuals who visited family members in Ontario.
While Ontario has been hit hardest, with over 1,400 infections, cases have been reported in eight provinces and the Northwest Territories.
Expert Insights
dr. Mark Joffe,former chief hygienist doctor of Alberta,commented on the situation during a recent conference at the University of AlbertaS Medicine Department:
It shouldn’t be a surprise. We knew it had to happen.
Dr. Mark Joffe, former chief hygienist doctor of Alberta
His statement underscores the understanding among experts that a resurgence was possible, given factors such as declining vaccination rates and global travel.
Pro Tip
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Check your immunization records and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are up-to-date.
Regional Impacts
Alberta has seen a doubling of cases since mid-April,reaching over 254 in early May.Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Association of Doctors of Alberta, predicts that the province could reach 1,000 cases in the coming weeks.
Saskatchewan is also experiencing the epidemic, with authorities anticipating new cases daily. Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories have reported their first measles cases since the start of the outbreak.
Quebec, with 36 cases, has been relatively spared compared to the 2011 outbreak, which saw over 770 Quebecers infected.
Demographics and Hospitalizations
Almost half of those infected are between 5 and 17 years old, with a quarter of cases affecting young adults. health authorities emphasize that measles is not a benign infection.
Complications such as otitis and pneumonia occur in about 3% of cases. More serious complications, affecting the central nervous system, can lead to blindness, deafness, and intellectual disabilities. The mortality rate is estimated at one in 3,000 cases. Ontario has already reported the death of a five-year-old child.
Nationwide, 7% of cases have required hospitalization. In Ontario, over 100 people have been hospitalized, including 75 children and eight admissions to intensive care. Alberta has seen around 20 hospitalizations, representing about 6% of its cases. During the 2011 outbreak, 11% of infected individuals were hospitalized.
Symptoms and Duration
Symptoms of Measles
- Fever
- Cough
- Nasal flow
- Lesions in the mouth
- Redness in the eyes
- Characteristic red pimples on the face and body
Measles typically lasts from 7 to 21 days, with skin lesions visible for 4 to 7 days.
FAQ: measles Outbreak in Canada
- What is measles?
- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious health complications.
- How is measles spread?
- Measles spreads thru the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
- How can measles be prevented?
- Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
- What should I do if I think I have measles?
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately and avoid contact with others.
