Understanding Measles: A Growing Concern in Canada and the USA
- Sterile Solutions Infection Control
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, was once a common childhood illness in many parts of the world. Thanks to widespread vaccination programs, cases have significantly decreased, and the disease was once considered eradicated in some parts of the world. However, recent reports from the CDC and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have shown a concerning rise in measles cases, highlighting the importance of understanding the disease and the need for continued vaccination efforts
What is Measles?
Measles is caused by the measles virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system.
The virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. What makes measles particularly contagious is that the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, meaning it can spread easily in indoor spaces. Measles is known for its characteristic red, blotchy rash, but it also comes with other symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red eyes.
The virus can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, causing pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling, estimated to occur in 1 of every 1,000 reported cases), and even death (estimated to occur in 1 to 10 of every 10,000 cases of measles). Moreover, measles is incredibly contagious. A single infected person can spread the virus to 9 out of 10 individuals who are not immune, making outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates particularly concerning.
The Vaccine
The measles vaccine, typically given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, has contributed to the dramatic decrease in the incidence of measles since its introduction in the 1960s. The vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing strong protection against measles. The recommended schedule for the first measles-containing vaccine dose is at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 18 months of age or any time thereafter, but no later than around school entry.
Explaining the Current Surge in Measles Cases
Despite the successes of the vaccine, recent reports from both PHAC and the CDC show an alarming increase in measles cases. The USA has seen 3 outbreaks and 301 confirmed cases in 2025, while Canada has seen 224 confirmed cases. For comparison, a total of 146 cases were reported in Canada in the entire 2024 calendar year. Some factors contributing to this rise may include:
Vaccine Hesitancy: Growing concerns and misinformation about vaccine safety have led to a decline in vaccination rates in certain communities. This has created pockets of unvaccinated individuals, leaving these areas vulnerable to outbreaks.
International Travel: As measles remains common in many parts of the world, travelers can bring the virus back to North America, where it can spread among unvaccinated individuals.
Delayed Vaccinations During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine healthcare, including vaccinations, leading to missed shots and gaps in immunity.
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. The focus of treatment is to manage symptoms and provide supportive care. If you or someone you know contracts measles, here are some common approaches to treatment:
Fever and pain relief: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be used to reduce fever and relieve discomfort. However, aspirin should be avoided in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when a fever is present. Drinking fluids like water, juice, or oral rehydration solutions can help prevent dehydration.
Rest: Rest is essential to allow the body to recover and strengthen the immune response against the virus.
Measles can also lead to bacterial secondary infections. While the measles virus itself is viral, it weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia, otitis media and sinusitis. In some cases, antibiotics are required to treat these secondary bacterial infections.
How Can We Protect Ourselves?
The increase in measles cases in both Canada and the USA is a powerful reminder of the importance of vaccination. Immunization not only protects individuals from the disease but also helps prevent its spread to vulnerable populations, including infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems. When vaccination rates are high, a community achieves herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases like measles. But when vaccination rates drop, the risk of outbreaks increases, and diseases that were once under control can resurface.
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