One Case of Measles Found in HRM

Nova Scotia has its first case of measles in 2025, found in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The case involves a Nova Scotian who travelled outside Canada. The person had received one dose of vaccine, but people generally need two to be fully vaccinated.

There are measles outbreaks around the globe, including in other provinces and the United States. The last case in Nova Scotia was in 2023 and also travel-related.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious consequences, including death. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is rare in Nova Scotia because it is preventable by getting vaccinated and is part of routine childhood immunizations. The vaccine, which is free, is safe and very effective at providing lifelong protection.

There is no treatment for measles.

“Measles is not an illness to take lightly,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “It is highly contagious and lingers for hours in a location after an infected person leaves. I highly recommend people check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. Measles vaccines are safe, effective and have been protecting us for decades.”

People born 1970 to 1995 were offered one dose of measles vaccine as children, and if they have not had a second dose, they should get one now. Those born in 1996 or later were offered two doses of measles vaccine but should get fully vaccinated now if they missed one or both doses.

Public Health also recommends infants six to 11 months of age receive a single dose of measles vaccine if they are travelling outside of Canada. People born in 1969 or earlier are generally considered immune but can consider receiving a single dose of measles vaccine if travelling outside of Canada.

There is no risk in getting the vaccine for people who have received it previously.

People can receive vaccinations from their routine vaccine provider, including family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics.

Measles has an incubation period of seven to 21 days after infection. Initial symptoms of measles include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red, watery eyes
• small, white spots may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin.

More severe cases of measles may result in pneumonia, ear infections, swelling of the brain, blindness and death.

More information about measles and special measles clinics for immunization is available at: https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health/infectious-diseases/measles

Quick Facts:

• complications from measles can include respiratory failure, inflammation and swelling of the brain, blindness, deafness and brain injury
• over the last month, more than 2,000 people have received the vaccine in Nova Scotia Health measles clinics

Additional Resources:

Health Canada information on measles: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles.html