Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Hospitalizations, other severe outcomes, and death can result from a measles infection.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, rates of measles infections have dropped greatly in Canada and around the world. However, measles is making a resurgence as immunization rates decline. 

On this page:

Key information

  • Vaccination is available and recommended for everyone born in 1970 or later (1957 for healthcare workers). Getting immunized with at least two doses of measles-containing vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.
  • Measles is highly contagious. Those who may have been exposed and develop symptoms should seek medical attention. Please call first before going to your primary care provider’s office, urgent care or emergency department so appropriate precautions can be taken.
  • Measles is also very serious, with almost 1 in 10 people being hospitalized. It can cause serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
  • Local public health will reach out to known contacts of cases who may be at risk of developing measles.

Case count and exposure locations

Epidemiological summary

Last updated: January 15, 2026​

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​​​​There have been a large number of measles cases in Canada in 2025. Find the latest national measles report.

Exposure locations and exposure assessment tool

Find a list of exposure locations in public settings. If you were potentially exposed to measles in one of these locations, access a tool to get information and guidance on next steps.

Exposure locations and tool

How it spreads

  • Measles is very contagious and spreads easily.
  • When an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the virus spreads through the air and can infect others. 
  • The measles virus can also survive in small droplets in the air for several hours. You can become infected when you breathe in these droplets or touch objects contaminated with the virus. 
  • Direct contact through sharing food, drinks, products that produce smoke (e.g., cigarettes) or vapours (e.g., e-cigarettes), or kissing someone who has measles can also put you at risk.

Immunization and prevention

  • Immunization is the best way to prevent measles and is very effective in preventing disease. Measles vaccination is given as a two-dose series.
  • Children are routinely provided with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine:
  • For children, and adults born in 1970 or later, please check that you have received at least two doses of measles-containing vaccine.​ Adults born before January 1, 1970 (January 1, 1957, for health care workers) are generally assumed to have acquired immunity to measles from past infection or immunization and therefore do not require the MMR vaccine.
    • One dose of measles-containing vaccine is 85% to 95% effective and two doses of measles-containing vaccine approaches 100% effectiveness in preventing measles
  • In general, washing your hands well and not sharing food, drinks, utensils, etc. can help prevent the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
For more information on accessing your records and how to schedule an immunization appointment, please visit the HealthLinkBC Immunization website.

 
  • People can get free measles vaccines from their local health unit or health centre. Some doctors and nurse practitioners also offer vaccines to infants, children and adults. Call your health care provider to make an appointment.
  • Children 4 years and older, as well as adults, can be vaccinated at a pharmacy. To find a BC pharmacy with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine: BC Pharmacy Association: MMR Vaccine Clinic Locator.
  • In First Nations communities, people can also be immunized by their community health nurse at their community health centre or nursing station.

 
Immunization records (also called vaccination records) provide a history of all the vaccines a person has received. Learn about how to access vaccine records. If vaccine records are not available, please get immunized. It is safe and effective and preferred to checking for measles immunity via serology.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes that are often sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. The rash lasts about 4 to 7 days. There may also be small white spots inside the mouth.
  • Symptoms can start between 7 and 21 days after a person is infected with the measles virus.
  • Measles is a serious illness that can also lead to complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death.

If you have been exposed

  • People who are not immune to measles may be asked to stay home and isolate if they have been exposed to measles. 
  • People are considered immune to measles if they:
    • Have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine
    • Have laboratory evidence of immunity
    • Were born before 1970 (1957 for healthcare workers)
  • Contacts of a measles case who are not immune may be offered vaccine or immune globulin (a blood product containing measles antibodies) to prevent infection.
  • Public health will contact you if you are a known contact and will provide further instructions.
  • People who are most at risk of infection are those who are completely unvaccinated against the disease, including children under one year of age.

If you become ill

  • If you have a fever and rash, and think you may have measles, especially if you have been in contact with someone with measles or traveled to an area with a measles outbreak, have yourself examined by a healthcare provider. A physical examination, blood test, and throat swab or urine sample may be collected to make the diagnosis of measles.
  • If you need to visit a healthcare provider, please call them in advance so they can take the necessary steps to ensure you do not pass on the infection to others. 
  • There is no specific medical treatment for measles. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and any complications. Symptom management includes rest, hydration, and potentially taking medications to manage a fever if there is one.
  • If you have confirmed measles, please stay home and isolate for at least 4 days after the rash first appeared. You can prevent spreading it to others by also:
    • Washing your hands regularly
    • Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve rather than your hands
    • Not sharing food, drinks, or products that produce smoke (e.g., cigarettes) or vapours (e.g., e-cigarettes), or kissing others

Contacting your local public health unit

If you have additional questions about measles (e.g., how to book an immunization appointment or if you have been exposed to measles), you can contact your local public health unit below.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health residents can contact VCH Communicable Disease: 604-675-3900 or 1-855-675-3900. 
  • Fraser Health residents can contact their closest Public Health Unit.  
  • Interior Health residents can contact their closest Public Health Unit or local Health Centre.  
  • Island Health residents can contact their local health units. Alternatively, Island Health residents may call the appropriate phone number below. 
    • North Island: 250-331-8555 or 1-877-887-8835
    • Central Island: 250-740-2616 or 1-866-770-7798
    • South Island: 250-388-2225 or 1-866-665-6626
  • Northern Health residents can contact their local health unit.
For registration and vaccine booking inquiries, call the Service BC Vaccine Information Line at 1-833-838-2323 or 8-1-1.