Measles in Ottawa

May 01, 2025

Ottawa Public Health has confirmed the city's first cases of measles.
For more information about the cases, please visit: https://www.ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/ottawa-public-health-investigating-first-confirmed-cases-measles

 

What is measles?

Measles is a viral infection that can be associated with rash, fevers, and some sever complications. It is spread by an airborne route, meaning that if somebody is sick with measles, they’re breathing the virus out into the air around them. People typically will pick up measles by breathing in that contaminated air. It is also possible to get measles from touching open measles sores on the skin. It’s one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity.

When/how long are you contagious?

If you are not immune to measles and you’ve been exposed to it, there is about a 90% chance that you will become sick with it – typically anywhere from 5-21 days after exposure.

 

You’re potentially contagious with measles up to 4 days before you first develop a rash, until 4 days after.

Signs and symptoms:

Within about a week of exposure, symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Cough

Then, a rash will begin on the head and neck, and spreads downwards to arms and legs.

What should I do if exposed to measles?

If you think you have symptoms of measles, it is extremely important that you be assessed by a health professional as soon as possible.

 

Please call ahead to ensure your healthcare provider can accommodate you. Because measles is so contagious and is spread through the air, not all clinics are equipped to assess people safely.

What to expect if coming to QCH:

Queensway Carleton Hospital is equipped to provide you with high quality care. As measles is very contagious, our staff will care for you in a special area to prevent further spread. Upon arrival, please:

• Wear a medical grade mask.
• Immediately tell staff at reception or triage if you have been exposed to measles so we can accommodate you appropriately.

How to prevent measles:

The most important thing that you can do to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting measles is to get vaccinated. A single dose of measles vaccine is effective at preventing 90-93% of cases of measles. Two doses of vaccine is close to 100% effective in preventing measles.

 

More information on measles vaccination:

• For more information and resources on measles vaccination for Ottawa residents, visit Ottawa Public Health’s Measles page: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/measles-red-measles.aspx
• Kids Come First’s Vaccinate and Up-To-Date campaign is here to make it easier for children and youth in the region to catch up on routine vaccines. Book your appointment now: https://www.kidscomefirst.ca/en/kids-come-first/vaccinate-and-up-to-date.aspx
• For a list of vaccination clinics in schools and the Ottawa area, visit Parenting in Ottawa’s website: https://www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/immunizations.aspx
• To request a copy of your child’s immunization record, visit your local Public Health Unit’s website.

More information:

• For more information and resources on measles:
• Measles — Ottawa Public Health (information for health-care providers): https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/hcp-measles.aspx#Introduction
• Measles — Public Health Ontario: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles
• Measles — Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles/surveillance-measles.html