Canada seeing noticeable increase in measles cases, health agency says
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A child receiving a vaccination against measles in the US state of Texas, where an unvaccinated child recently died.
PHOTO: AFP
OTTAWA - Canada is seeing a noticeable increase in measles cases in 2025, with more cases reported in the first two months of 2025 than all of 2024, the country’s health agency said on March 6 and urged citizens to get vaccinated.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said it has recorded 227 measles cases as of March 6, with many patients requiring hospitalisation.
“I strongly urge all Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles,” said Dr Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.
The agency said most of the patients are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children exposed in community settings such as social events, daycares, schools and healthcare facilities.
Cases can also arise when unvaccinated individuals travel to or from regions where measles is prevalent.
“As we move through spring break travel season, I am concerned that the global rise in measles cases, combined with declining vaccination rates among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to more illness and more community transmission,” Dr Tam said.
Canada reported a total of 146 measles cases in 2024, according to government data.
In the week ending Feb 15, there were 96 confirmed cases of measles, a serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and even death.
The surge is linked to outbreaks in the disease in New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba, the agency said.
PHAC noted that recent cases in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia occurred after travellers were exposed to measles in other countries and urged individuals to get vaccinated before travelling.
If needed, the vaccine should be administered at least two weeks before departure, but even last-minute vaccinations offer protection, the agency said.
Last week, an unvaccinated child died of measles in Texas, the centre of one of the largest outbreaks of the disease that United States has seen in the past decade. REUTERS
