Most of Quebec’s 36 measles cases contracted in health-care settings

The number of measles cases continues to rise in Quebec.

A total of 36 cases have been confirmed, including 28 in the Laurentians. In addition to the Montreal, Laval, and Montérégie regions, which are affected by outbreaks, the Eastern Townships was recently added to the list.

The current measles epidemic began in December 2024. The Quebec government’s website, which lists the locations and dates of possible exposure to a measles case, indicates that most cases were contracted in health-care facilities and pharmacies. There are also several cases in schools and daycares.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can have serious health consequences for vulnerable individuals, especially babies who have not yet been vaccinated. In Quebec, the vaccination schedule stipulates that children receive the vaccine at 12 and 18 months, but the vaccine can be administered free of charge at any age.

Last week, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) warned the March break travel season could lead to an increase in measles cases, which are already higher in the country for the first two months of 2025 than for all of 2024.

Ontario is the most affected province. As of Feb. 26, it had 119 confirmed and 23 probable cases of measles. New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Manitoba also have a few reported cases.

An increase in the spread of measles has been observed in several countries. The United States is affected by outbreaks of the disease, particularly in Texas and New Mexico, which now have more than 250 cases. A school-aged child died of measles in Texas last month, and New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an adult last week. The deceased were not vaccinated against measles.

The main symptoms of measles are a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash on the face and then the body. Complications of measles include pneumonia, deafness, encephalitis, and, in severe cases, death.

If an unvaccinated person has been in contact with a measles case, they must self-isolate at home from day five to day 14 after exposure. A person is not contagious for the first four days after exposure.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne, with files from The Associated Press, was translated by CityNews