Officials Warn Measles May Be Spreading In Some Canadian Communities

Measles is on the rise in Canada.

BC’s provincial health officer, the Centre for Disease Control and public health officials are reminding people in British Columbia to check their vaccination records before travelling to ensure they are protected.

One case of measles was reported over the weekend in B.C. as part of at least 17 cases in Canada - mostly in Quebec.

Most cases are in people who were not immunized or not fully immunized, and who travelled to countries where measles is spreading. There were 12 cases reported in all of 2023.

Globally, cases are rising due to a decline in measles vaccinations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization reported a 79% increase in the number of global measles cases in 2023, compared to 2022.

Prior to the case of measles reported over the weekend, the last case of measles was reported in B.C. in 2019.

For Measles and Rubella weekly monitoring reports, visit Government of Canada.