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Measles outbreak

A measles outbreak is currently underway. As of 8:30 a.m. on April 8, four cases have been reported in Québec. 

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles. Before making an appointment for the measles vaccine, check to see if you are considered protected against measles.

If you have been exposed to measles, follow the measures for people who have been exposed.

People who are not protected against measles and who have been in contact with a measles case or who were at the places and dates of possible exposure to a measles case must self-isolate.

For each measles case reported in Québec, a public health investigation is conducted in order to determine the source of the infection and to identify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Preventive treatment of people exposed to the measles virus can limit the spread of the disease.

Places and dates of possible exposure to a case of measles

Some exposed individuals may receive a text message or call from the Direction régionale de santé publique with appropriate recommendations. These text messages do not contain any clickable links.

This serious disease is highly contagious. Certain places frequented by recent measles cases have been identified. People who were in the following places during the dates and times specified are considered contacts of a confirmed case of measles. They must isolate themselves if they are not protected against measles. See the section Measures to be taken to find out more.

It is advisable to check these tables regularly, as the information may change according to the results of surveys. If you have been in one of the settings listed below, but this setting no longer appears in the list a few days later, you are no longer considered a contact of a confirmed case of measles.

This table is updated every business day, and also outside business days when new exposure media are added.

Other Canadian provinces

Other Canadian provinces are reporting measles outbreaks at this time. Public health authorities in some provinces have posted possible measles exposure sites on their websites. If you have travelled to other Canadian provinces recently, check their websites.

Epidemiology

Québec is facing its third measles outbreak since the beginning of 2024. The first one began in February 2024 and ended in June 2024. The second outbreak began in December 2024 and ended in April 2025. The third outbreak began in November 2025 and ended in February 2026. A few sporadic cases, either people returning from travel or cases related to a Canadian outbreak, have also been reported in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In Canada, a major measles outbreak is underway, affecting several provinces, including Ontario. Measles is also found in many parts of the world, including:

  • the United States;
  • Europe;
  • Asia;
  • the Middle East;
  • Africa.

People at risk

Some people have a higher risk of complications if they catch measles. In case of exposure to the measles virus, these people should contact Info-Santé 811 as soon as possible to be evaluated and receive preventive treatment if necessary. Preventive treatment consists of an injection that must be administered within 7 days following the exposure.

People at risk of complications are:

  • Babies under one year old
  • People with a weakened immune system
  • Pregnant people who are not adequately vaccinated against measles

Pregnant people born between 1970 and 1979 who received only 1 dose of vaccine against measles should receive immunoglobulins following significant exposure to measles.

People who are considered protected

People considered protected against measles are:

  • People born before 1970
  • People who have serology showing antibodies to measles
  • People who have a medical certificate confirming that they had measles before January 1, 1996
  • People who have written evidence of vaccination against measles

There are several measles vaccines. The list of trade names of measles vaccines (in French only) can help you identify them in your proof of vaccination.

The number of doses required to consider people protected varies:

  • 2 doses:
    • People born in 1980 or later
    • People born between 1970 and 1979 who are trainees in the healthcare sector, health care workers, military recruits or who planning to travel outside Canada
  • 1 dose:
    • People born between 1970 and 1979 who are not trainees in the healthcare sector, health workers or military recruits and who do not plan to travel outside Canada

People who are considered unprotected

If you are not considered protected, you can book an appointment to receive the vaccine on the website Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545. Measles vaccination is available at local service points in many regions of Québec.

For information on vaccination status, please contact your CLSC, local point of service or call 1-877-644-4545.

Measures to be taken for exposed persons

If you are protected against measles, it is highly unlikely that you will contract the disease. As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you watch for the onset of measles symptoms until the date corresponding to your situation (see the section Places and dates of possible exposure to a case of measles).

If you are not protected against measles, it is recommended that you:

  • isolate yourself at home from the 5th day following your first exposure to measles until the 14th day inclusive after your last exposure
    • The contagious period begins 4 days following the first exposure. For example, if you were exposed on March 4 and March 10, you should isolate from March 9 to March 24 inclusive
  • get vaccinated
    • A vaccine or injection of antibodies against the disease may be recommended
  • watch for the onset of symptoms until the date corresponding to your situation (see the section on Places and dates of possible exposure to a case of measles)

To learn more about the symptoms of measles and what to do in the event of symptoms, visit the page Measles.

Injection of antibodies provides immediate protection if given within seven days of contact with a contagious person. It may be recommended for people at risk.

The vaccine is intended for people aged 6 months and over who are not considered protected against measles and who have been in contact with a contagious person. It can be effective in preventing the disease if given within 72 hours of contact.

You may be able to lift your isolation if you receive a dose of vaccine that leads you to be considered protected against measles.

If you are a healthcare worker, notify your health office or employer. Special circumstances may apply to your situation.

If you attend school, you will receive instructions specific to your situation.

In certain situations, if you are among the at-risk individuals, you may be contacted by the Direction de santé publique of your region for further details on the recommendations to follow.

To receive the vaccine, you can book an appointment on the website Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545. Measles vaccination is available at local service points in many regions of Québec.

Important - Inform the health staff of possible exposure to measles

If you have been exposed to measles, it is essential to inform the health staff when you make an appointment and when you arrive for the vaccination session. The staff on site will be able to provide you with the necessary advice to limit the spread of the measles virus.

Learn more about measles

Resources published by Gouvernement du Québec

Resources published by the Public Health Agency of Canada

Last update: April 8, 2026

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