Message from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Global health authorities are reporting a significant increase in measles in 2023 that continues into 2024, due in part to a decline in measles vaccinations during the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 79% increase in the number of global measles cases in 2023 compared to 2022. While cases can occur anywhere in the world, there has been a notable recent increase in the WHO European region. Read the statement released from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on Global Increase in Measles and Risk to Canada on February 24, 2024.

Measles cases have recently been reported in Canada. Measles is a highly contagious, potentially fatal virus that is spread through the air and poses serious risks to children under the age of 12 months.

Since routine vaccination against measles does not start until children are 1 year of age, you can help protect them by making sure you and your family have received all your measles vaccinations. Learn more.

The general Measles public fact sheets can also be found directly at:

Measles: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca

Measles: Prevention and risks - Canada.ca

Measles: Monitoring - Canada.ca

Measles: Travel health advice - Canada.ca

Measles: For health professionals - Canada.ca

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Message from Public Health Ontario:

In Ontario, measles has been rare due to high immunization coverage both provincially and across the country. As a result, measles cases are usually associated with travel. Due to an increase in measles activity globally, Ontario has begun to see more cases. In response to the increase in measles cases in Ontario, and Canada, Public Health Ontario PHO is releasing multiple resources:

• ‍Enhanced Epidemiological Summary: Measles in Ontario: this report describes the epidemiology of measles in Ontario in 2024, as well as trends over time for 2013-2023. Case information is provided by age, sex, public health unit, severity, source of infection, and immunization status. This report will be published weekly on Thursdays, with data up to the previous day.

• Technical Brief: focuses on interim infection prevention and control recommendations and use of personal protective equipment for care of individuals with suspect or confirmed measles.
• Measles: Information for Health Care Providers: provides considerations and information to assist with timely identification and management of individuals suspected to have measles, and has been updated to include more detailed information on IPAC best practices.

All their measles resources will be published on their dedicated measles page on their website.

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