Measles on the rise as flu rates drop 

Mélissa Gélinas

Although the flu virus reached its peak level between January 26 and February 1, 2025, other types of viruses continue to emerge throughout Quebec, as is the case with measles.

Epidemiology

According to information from the Government of Quebec, the province is currently facing its second measles outbreak since December 2024. In this sense, as of March 5, more than 30 cases have been reported and distributed in the following regions: Laurentians, Montreal and Montérégie. Of these cases, 23 have been confirmed in the Laurentians and less than 5 in Montreal, Laval and Montérégie. In total, since December 2024, there have been more than 81 cases.

Despite the cases reported in North America, the measles virus is also present in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

People at risk of complications

- Babies under one year old

- People with a weak immune system

- Pregnant women

- Unvaccinated people

Possible complications

- Ear infection

- Pneumonia

- Diarrhea

- For pregnant women: Miscarriage, premature delivery, baby with low birth weight

- Respiratory failure (rare)

- Encephalitis (rare)

- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (rare)

- Death (rare)

Symptoms

- Fever

- Cough

- Runny nose

- Red, watery eyes

- Rash in the form of red spots on the face, body, arms and legs (before symptoms begin)

Recommended measures in case of exposure to measles

- Self-isolation

- Get vaccinated

In case of infection with the measles virus, it is important to call a health-care facility so that they can inform you of the measures to take. It is also recommended to rest and stay well hydrated. In most cases, people can fully recover from measles after two or three weeks, if they do not develop any complications.

Consequently, for each case of measles reported in Quebec, a public health investigation is conducted with the aim of identifying people at risk of having been exposed to the virus as well as the origin of the infection. On another note, despite concerns about the possibility that a young girl may have contracted the mumps virus in Aylmer, no cases have been reported in Quebec since 2017. Furthermore, the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSSO) has also confirmed that no cases have been confirmed in the Outaouais region.

For more information on the measles and mumps virus, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles/prevention-risks.html  and https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionals/infectious-diseases/mumps/