MONTREAL – Quebec’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that the number of measles cases in the province has risen to eight, as a new outbreak continues to spread through several key regions. The most recent cases have been reported in Montreal, Laval, Lanaudière, and the Laurentians.
The current outbreak began earlier this month, following the first confirmed case in the Laurentians on December 3—the province’s first since April. Health officials are now tracking several potential exposure sites to contain further transmission.
Critical Exposure Locations Identified
Public health authorities have flagged several high-traffic locations where the public may have been exposed to the virus. These include:
- CHU Sainte-Justine (Emergency Room): December 14, between 6:09 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.
- UP Centre d’urgences pédiatriques (St-Eustache): December 14, between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (and previous dates starting Nov 28).
- Walmart Supercentre (Saint-Léonard): Multiple dates between December 9 and December 13.
- Marché Adonis (Anjou): December 12, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (Emergency Room): December 13, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Anyone who visited these locations during the specified times and is not considered “protected” (generally those born after 1970 without proof of two vaccine doses) is instructed to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms until the specified dates.
High-Risk Groups and Symptoms
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation. The Ministry of Health highlighted that the following groups are at the highest risk:
- Infants under one year of age.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women who are not adequately vaccinated.
The illness typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that starts on the face and moves down the body.
Public Guidance
Authorities are urging residents to check their vaccination status. Those experiencing symptoms or who believe they were exposed should not go directly to a clinic. Instead, they should:
- Contact Info-Santé at 811 for a remote assessment.
- Book a vaccination via the Clic Santé website or by calling 1-877-644-4545.
As of mid-December 2025, Canada has seen a significant spike in measles activity, with over 5,300 cases reported nationwide, largely concentrated in Ontario and Alberta. Quebec officials are emphasizing that a 95% vaccination rate is required to maintain community immunity and prevent further spread.
