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Get vaccinated against measles

April 23, 2025

Measles cases in Ontario continue to increase and spread. So far this year, Public Health Ontario has reported 1,018 measles cases, surpassing the total amount recorded in the province over the last decade. York Region Public Health continues to receive and investigate reports of measles cases in York Region residents who are exposed in other health unit jurisdictions.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals, and those who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death.  

Symptoms of measles start 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:  

  • High fever, cough, runny nose 
  • Red, watery eyes (i.e., pink eye or conjunctivitis)  
  • Red rash that typically starts on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs; the rash typically is not itchy and appears 3 to 7 days after the start of the other symptoms

Getting the measles (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from infection. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines are safe and provide long-lasting protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccines are approximately 97% effective in preventing measles infection.

York Region Public Health advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:  

  • Confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV)
    • Those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected
    • Immunizations are one of the safest ways to protect you, your children and your community from serious and potentially deadly vaccine-preventable diseases  
  • If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school
    • Call your health care professional before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions
    • You may also call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 905-953-6478 outside of these times 

More information on measles and the measles vaccine can be found at york.ca/Measles.