Measles outbreak

As of April 23, 2024 at 9:31 a.m., 50 confirmed cases of measles have been reported since the beginning of 2024:

• Montréal: 20
• Montérégie: 13
• Laval: 5
• Laurentides: less than 5
• Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec: less than 5
• Lanaudière: less than 5
• Estrie: less than 5

The data on the number of confirmed measles cases in Québec is updated daily, from Monday to Friday.

Measles is present in the world, in particular in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In recent years, there have been large active measles outbreaks in several European countries and in some states in the United States. In 2023 et 2024, some cases of measles have been reported in several Canadian provinces, including in Québec.

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.

Since the beginning of 2024, cases of measles have been confirmed in Québec. This potentially 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.

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.

The tables below are updated daily.
Last updated on April 24, 2024 at 10:40 a.m.

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 of antibodies 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

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

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.

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. (You are not contagious during the first 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.

People in contact with exposed people do not need to isolate or restrict their contacts.

Learn about measles and measles vaccines:

• Measles
• Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)
• Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella) vaccine (MMR-Var)

Consult the notices and documentation published by the Public Health Agency of Canada:

• Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on Global Increase in Measles and Risk to Canada 
• Global Measles Notice – Travel health notices 
• Measles: Symptoms and treatment 
• Measles: Prevention and risks