Increased measles activity: Recommendations for health-care providers
Although measles cases have been rare in Ontario, an increase in global measles activity in 2024 has resulted in an increase in reported cases of measles. Ontario is currently experiencing a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak that has included cases from New Brunswick and Manitoba. As of Feb. 26, 2025, 177 cases of measles have been reported (127 confirmed, 50 probable) in Ontario associated with this outbreak. Outbreak cases have been reported in four public health units: Southwestern Public Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit, Grand Erie Public Health and Chatham-Kent Public Health. At this time there are no cases in South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health).
Given the current prevalence of measles in Ontario, SEHU encourages health-care providers to take the following actions:
- Review Public Health Ontario’s Measles: Information for Health Care Providers. This document provides detailed recommendations on immunization, clinical presentation, diagnosis and infection prevention and control (IPAC) recommendations.
- Ensure you and your staff have up-to-date immunizations and are fit-tested for a respirator. It is recommended that a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator is used by health-care providers, regardless of their presumptive immune status, while providing care to individuals with suspected or confirmed measles.
- Consider measles as a differential diagnosis. Health-care providers are strongly encouraged to consider measles as a part of the differential diagnosis when clients present with:
- febrile illness and rash
- history suggesting they are not immune to measles
- history of travel to areas with measles outbreaks or that are known to have had an epidemiologic link to a measles case our outbreak
- Ensure appropriate testing for measles. It is essential to complete ALL of the following tests to confirm a measles diagnosis:
- nasopharyngeal swab/aspirate or throat swab for PCR
- blood specimen for serology
- clean catch urine for PCR.
- Report suspected or confirmed cases to Public Health. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. Timely reporting of measles cases is essential to controlling the spread of illness in the community and is required in accordance with Ontario Reg 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990.
- During regular business hours, health-care providers must call 613-966-5500, ext. 349.
- For after-hours, health-care providers must call 613-966-5500 and follow the prompts to reach the after-hours service.
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