Measles symptoms Canadians should watch for amid rising cases
Canadians should keep an eye out for measles symptoms as the country sees rising cases and a measles-related death.
Concerns about measles symptoms have resurfaced after Alberta reported its first death this year connected to the highly contagious disease. According to Health Canada, as of Sept. 20, there are a total of 5,006 cases of measles nationwide. Ontario currently has the highest number of cases, with 2,379, followed by Alberta with 1,901.
According to surveillance data from the World Health Organization, from February to July 2025, Canada was among the top 10 countries with the highest number of measles cases.
The measles outbreak spreading across Canada has health officials sounding the alarm and urging people to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
Successful vaccination programs eliminated the disease in Canada by 1998, with the country seeing only very limited spread, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
In June, Health Minister Marjorie Michel stated that PHAC is monitoring measles cases worldwide, as well as in Canada. She’s also urging Canadians to stay up to date with their routine vaccinations.
“Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, including deafness, brain injury, and death,” she said. “Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective at preventing infection and severe outcomes.”
PhotobyTawat/Shutterstock
A 2021 National Immunization Coverage Survey revealed that although 91.6 per cent of two-year-olds in Canada received at least one dose of a vaccine for measles, only 79.2 per cent of seven-year-olds had received both doses.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
luchschenF/Shutterstock
According to Health Canada, individuals infected with the virus will likely experience symptoms within seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, or red/watery eyes. Those infected may see white spots inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
A rash that appears as small red spots may develop on the face and the rest of the body, lasting four to seven days.
Although most people recover from measles within two to three weeks, complications can arise, such as ear infections, pneumonia, or diarrhea. More severe complications can include respiratory failure, inflammation, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), or death.
People who become infected while pregnant are at high risk of miscarriage, premature labour, and “giving birth to an infant with a low birth weight.”
If you suspect you’re infected, isolate yourself and contact your healthcare provider. A blood test, urine test, or a swab from the back of your throat or nose will be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Although there are treatments to help relieve symptoms, there’s currently “no specific antiviral medication for a measles infection.”
“The Government of Canada encourages people of all ages to ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles,” stated Michel.