Measles is one of the world’s most contagious human respiratory viruses. It spreads easily through the air when someone with measles breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is increasing worldwide, with more countries reporting cases. Outbreaks are currently occurring in several countries, including Mexico and the United States, and as of March 9, 2026, Heath Canada reported 413 measles cases combined in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan this year.

Measles is preventable and the risk of getting measles is low for people who have been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine or those born before 1970.

What to Do if You Have Been Exposed to Measles:

The health unit advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:

Check your vaccination record. Make sure you and your family are protected against measles:

• You are considered protected if you’ve had two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
• If you were born before 1970, you likely had measles as a child and are generally considered immune and protected.
• If you are not sure if you are protected, you can visit our website to see if the health unit may have a copy of your immunization record at https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Immunization/Report-and-request. 
• If you haven’t had two doses, contact your health care provider to discuss vaccination.

Watch for Symptoms of Measles

• Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after being exposed.
• Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure.
• Look for:

• Fever, runny nose, cough
• Red eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth and throat (these don’t always show up)
• Three to seven days after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash begins on the face and spreads down the body
• You can spread measles to others four days before and four days after the rash appears.  

• Complications from measles can include:

• Middle ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Diarrhea
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Occasionally death in the very young

If You Develop Symptoms and When to Seeking Medical Care and Isolate:

If you think you have the measles:

• Seek medical care right away. Important: Do not go directly to the hospital or your health care provider’s office without calling first. You must inform them that you have been exposed to someone with measles and are now experiencing symptoms.
• Stay home to isolate (do not go to school or work) and avoid contact with others.
• Wear a well-fitting, high-quality face mask (e.g., surgical, N95) if you need to go out and when seeking medical care.
• Wash your hands often and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

If you have concerns or need vaccination, contact your health care provider or the health unit for guidance.

How Is Measles Spread?

The measles virus is airborne and can float in the air for up to two hours after a person who has measles has left the area. This means that if you are not immunized against measles, you are at risk of getting measles if you spent time in the same area, even if you were not close to person who is ill.

Measles spreads when:

• You breathe the air where an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• You touch a surface with the virus on it then touch your eye, nose or mouth.
• You can spread measles up to four days before the rash starts and until four days after the rash starts.

How Do I Protect Myself and My Family?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. One dose given at 12 or 15 months of age provides protection in about 85 to 95 per cent of people, and two doses provide close to 100 percent. If you or your family members are not up to date, it's important to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Contact your family doctor or book an appointment at a local immunization clinic if you don’t have a health care provider.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Children & Adolescents 

• Routine Schedule: Two doses—first at 12 months, second at four years.
• Traveling?

• Babies six to 11 months traveling to areas with measles outbreaks should get an early dose.
• Young children traveling to affected areas can receive their four -year dose early.

• Ensure school-aged children have received their second dose.

Adults Born in 1970 or later

• 2 doses of measles vaccine are needed for full protection unless you have had measles infection
• Health care workers and military personnel need to have proof of vaccinations (two doses) or immunity (blood test) in order to work.
• Travelers going outside of Canada should be up to date at least 2 weeks before travel

• People born in Canada before 1970 are generally presumed immune, as there was a lot of measles during that time and the vaccine was just being introduced. However, if you are unsure or traveling outside of Canada, consider getting a single dose due to rising global measles cases.

• You can safely get vaccinated with at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. A blood test can also be done to find out if someone is immune if they think they had a measles infection in the past.

Additional Safety Measures

• Stay home if you're feeling sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Information for Health Professionals

Immediately report all suspected or confirmed cases of measles infection to SMDHU at 705-721-7520 Extension 8809 during work hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or after hours 1-888-225-7851. For information and resources for health professionals visit our Resources for Health Professionals.