Public Health Canada fears March break travel could increase measles cases

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is concerned that March Break travel season could lead to an increase in measles cases, which are already higher in the country in the first two months of 2025 than in all of 2024. 

A sharp increase in the number of measles cases was observed worldwide last year. In Canada, the ongoing epidemics show no signs of abating. 

Measles has been eliminated in Canada, but it remains endemic in other countries and, as a result, imported cases continue to emerge and spread the disease.

Public Health Canada said in a statement that in recent months, several cases of measles in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have been linked to travellers who were exposed to the disease in another country. As of March 6, there have been 227 cases of measles in Canada, with Manitoba and New Brunswick also affected. In Quebec, 30 cases have been confirmed, according to the most recent data. 

PHAC says many measles patients have required hospitalization. “The majority of cases are in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who were exposed in their community, such as at social events, daycares, schools or health care settings,” Public Health says. 

They fear that increased travel during the spring break combined with lower vaccination rates among school-aged children will lead to a surge in community transmission. 

Measles is a highly contagious disease. More than 90 per cent of people who are not immune to measles—either through vaccination or previous infection—will become infected if exposed to the virus.

The main symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and general malaise, followed by redness of the face and then body. There is no cure for measles and serious complications can occur in vulnerable people, especially babies. They are at risk of developing pneumonia, deafness, encephalitis and, in the most serious cases, death. 

Public health is urging Canadians to get vaccinated and check their vaccination status before travelling. The vaccine should be administered at least two weeks before departure, but even a last-minute vaccination offers some protection. 

—The Canadian Press’ health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Editorial choices are solely the responsibility of The Canadian Press. 

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews