Measles case confirmed in Montreal as Ottawa flu deaths raise concerns
Posted December 20, 2025 10:00 am.
Last Updated December 20, 2025 4:09 pm.
Montreal public health authorities confirmed the city’s first case of measles on Dec. 17, linked to an ongoing provincial outbreak, as health officials across Canada also warn of a severe flu season following the deaths of three children in the Ottawa region.
Quebec sees new measles outbreak
A new measles outbreak is underway in Quebec, with eight confirmed cases reported as of Friday, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m. The outbreak currently affects Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and Lanaudière.
The province has faced multiple measles outbreaks in recent years. The last outbreak ran from Dec. 2024 to Apr. 19, 2025.
“Measles is caused by a virus, the measles virus. It is spread predominantly through airborne routes, and you don’t have to touch anybody — you can just be in the same room, or even go into a room that somebody with measles was in within two hours and get it. So, it’s a very contagious virus that is generally introduced by breathing the air,” said Dr. Earl Rubin, division director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Rubin said the illness typically begins with symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other viral infections.
“Most commonly, it starts with a fever, runny nose — nothing that looks different than any other viral infection — and that’s very confusing. But with time, there are red eyes without pus, there is a cough, and there is a rash that starts on the face and goes downward and can involve the palms and soles. Given what is going on out in the community, anybody who has those symptoms needs to make public health or their physician aware. It doesn’t mean they need to be seen or go out in the community and spread it.”
Exposure sites and public guidance
Montreal public health has identified several locations visited by confirmed cases, including Walmart in Saint-Leonard, Marché Adonis Anjou, Sainte-Justine and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital ERs, as well as a local youth clinic in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
People who were present at these locations during the listed dates and times and who are not protected against measles are advised to isolate and follow public health instructions.
Those who are protected against measles are very unlikely to contract the disease. As a precaution, public health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms until the date that corresponds to your specific exposure.
“If somebody has had two doses of the vaccine, has proof of having had measles before, or if they were born before 1970, it is highly unlikely that the symptoms they have are due to measles and may be due to something else,” Dr. Rubin said.
He added that people with symptoms should avoid crowded medical settings unless necessary and should alert staff if measles exposure is possible.
“If the parent is worried, I will never say don’t go anywhere, because we certainly don’t want to have deaths or complications. But just make people aware that they’re not vaccinated and that they potentially were exposed or have symptoms compatible.”
Vaccination is key
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. People are considered protected if they were born before 1970, have proof of prior infection, documented antibodies, or written proof of vaccination. The number of required doses varies based on age and risk factors.
Unvaccinated individuals can book an appointment through the Clic Santé website or by calling 1-877-644-4545. Those exposed but unprotected may receive a vaccine or antibody injection to reduce the risk of illness.
Unprotected contacts are advised to isolate from the fifth day after their first exposure until the 14th day after their last exposure. In some cases, isolation may be lifted if vaccination results in protected status.
“I think the most important thing, especially as measles is upticking, is that people are up to date with their vaccines. Unfortunately, it takes time — you don’t get the vaccine today and you’re protected tomorrow,” Dr. Rubin explained.
Flu deaths highlight risks for children
The measles outbreak coincides with a challenging flu season in Ontario. Regional Medical Officers of Health in the Ottawa area reported three deaths among children aged five to nine from influenza A–related complications during the first two weeks of December. Health officials say flu activity and complications are higher than usual for this time of year.
Dr. Rubin said influenza causes deaths every year across Canada.
“There are no details about those cases on whether the person was at increased risk because of underlying conditions. But having said that, we know that every year across Canada there are deaths from influenza.”
He explained that the dominant circulating strain this season is influenza A (H3N2), which has changed compared with previous years.
“Less people have some hanging-on immunity. As well, the H3N2 that is circulating has mutated or changed, and so the vaccine match is not perfect. The vaccine, however, still provides protection. And ideally, everybody would be vaccinated, but especially those who are at increased risk.”
Staying safe during the outbreaks
People at higher risk for measles complications — including infants under one year old, pregnant individuals who are not adequately vaccinated, and those with weakened immune systems — should contact Info-Santé 811 promptly if exposed.
For both measles and influenza, early action and vaccination remain the strongest defences against serious outcomes.
