Canada’s measles outbreak spreads beyond Alberta and Ontario, prompting urgent vaccine efforts and concerns over underreporting and national health risks.
Measles Outbreak Expands Across Canada
A growing measles outbreak is spreading beyond initial hotspots in Alberta and Ontario, prompting public health officials nationwide to issue warnings and step up vaccination efforts. As of mid-July, more than 3,400 cases have been confirmed, raising concerns about the resurgence of a disease once declared eliminated in Canada.
Airborne Virus Poses Elevated Risk
Experts warn that measles, one of the most contagious known viruses, can linger in the air and infect individuals even hours after an infected person has left a space. Dr. Joseph Blondeau, head of clinical microbiology at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, cautioned that widespread transmission increases the chance of unknowing carriers infecting others at social gatherings or public events.
“It’s not just isolated clusters anymore,” Blondeau said. “The virus is present across multiple regions, making containment more difficult.”
Provinces Ramp Up Immunization Efforts
Provinces such as Manitoba are facing spikes in cases, particularly in regions with historically low vaccine uptake. Dr. Davinder Singh, medical officer of health for Southern Health-Santé Sud, said the southwestern region has been hardest hit.
In response, health teams are offering home visits, pop-up immunization clinics, and evening hours to reach more families. Infants as young as six months are being given early “dose zero” vaccines in high-risk zones.
Underreporting May Obscure Full Scope
Despite confirmed case counts, doctors believe the actual number of infections is likely far higher. Dr. Gerald Evans, an infectious disease specialist at Queen’s University, noted that many people with measles never get tested, skewing public data.
“Unconfirmed cases are likely circulating in the community,” Evans said. “We’re only seeing part of the picture.”
Fatalities and Cross-Border Concerns
Three measles-related deaths have been reported in the U.S. this year. In June, Ontario confirmed the death of an infant who contracted the virus in utero and had pre-existing health complications. Officials fear more severe outcomes may occur if outbreaks continue unchecked.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 1,300 cases as of July 15. Health experts in Canada warn that cross-border travel and uneven vaccination rates could complicate containment efforts.
Regional Trends Show Mixed Impact
British Columbia has reported more than 120 cases this year, while Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia (9 cases) and New Brunswick (15) remain on alert. Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have yet to report any cases in 2025. Yukon and Nunavut have also seen little to no activity, while the Northwest Territories had a single case in the spring.
Dr. Rod Lim of the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre noted a recent drop in southwestern Ontario cases but stressed the need for continued vigilance.
Vaccination Is Key to Controlling Spread
Doctors emphasize that the best defense against measles remains vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offer 97% protection, said Dr. Ayisha Kurji, a pediatrician at the University of Saskatchewan.
“It’s a vaccine we know works very well,” Kurji said. “This outbreak is largely among unvaccinated individuals, and we risk losing our measles-elimination status if it continues.”
Health officials continue urging Canadians to check their immunization status and get vaccinated—especially before traveling, even within the country.
