Measles Cases Rise in Quebec, Sparking Public Health Alert
A recent increase in measles cases across Quebec is prompting public health officials to urge residents to verify their vaccination status and remain vigilant for symptoms. A first case was reported in Montreal on Wednesday, marking the sixth confirmed infection in the province since an outbreak began at the end of November.
Symptoms and Exposure Locations
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within three to seven days, a distinctive rash characterized by red spots and irregular patches will appear. Public health authorities have identified several locations in the Montreal area where individuals with measles may have exposed others to the virus. These include:
- The Saint-Léonard Walmart: December 9-13, with varying times throughout each day.
- The Youth Health Clinic: December 10, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- The Adonis Anjou Market: December 12, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- The emergency room at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center: December 14, between 6:09 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.
- The emergency room at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital: December 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vaccination Remains Key Defense
Public health officials emphasize the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. Individuals born since 1980 are generally considered protected if they have received two doses of the measles vaccine. “Measles is one of the most contagious viruses,” stated a medical consultant at the Regional Public Health Directorate (DRSP) of Montreal during an interview on the show All One Morning on ICI Première. He further explained that approximately 95% vaccination coverage is necessary to achieve herd immunity.
However, current vaccination rates in Quebec are falling short of this goal. Data for the 2024-2025 school year reveal that only 90.3% of secondary students and 88.7% of primary students are vaccinated. This decline, which has accelerated during the pandemic, is raising concerns among public health experts.
Local Transmission and Past Outbreaks
According to Dr. Le Guerrier, the recent case in Montreal appears to be the result of local transmission, as the individual did not recently return from international travel. Since the end of November, five additional cases have been identified in the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Laval regions.
Quebec previously experienced a measles outbreak in April 2025. Looking further back, Canada faced its most severe measles outbreak in 30 years in 2025, with over 5,300 cases reported, primarily in Ontario (45%) and Alberta (37%). This epidemic led to Canada losing its measles elimination status in November 2025 – a designation granted by the Pan American Health Organization in 1998, signifying at least 12 months without ongoing disease transmission.
The resurgence of measles underscores the ongoing need for robust vaccination programs and continued public health vigilance.
