Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Bulletin – Measles Prevention and Resources

Press Release

Mar 31, 2025

Summary:

• Canada is currently experiencing unusually high levels of measles, with more than 200 cases since the start of 2025. This is more than the total number of cases reported in all of 2024.
• The increase is linked to outbreaks in New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Most cases involve unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
• Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has resources available to help combat the spread of measles.

As of March 6, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has recorded more than 220 cases of measles since the beginning of the year. This exceeds the total number of cases reported in 2024. These cases are linked to outbreaks in New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba, with most occurring among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, deafness, brain inflammation, and in severe cases, death. Complications occur in approximately 10% to 20% of cases. A measles rash typically appears seven to 21 days after exposure, but individuals can be infectious before the rash develops.

There are steps you can take to limit your risk of exposure or complications due to measles:

• Keeping vaccinations up to date.
• Staying home when sick and limiting contact with others.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as bottles and utensils.

If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and, if possible, call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider such as a clinic or pharmacy. If you are diagnosed with measles, you should remain home and limit contact with others for at least four days after the rash appears.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has a network of Regional Public Health Emergency Management Coordinators and Regional Medical Officers of Health who work with the provinces to support First Nations across provinces in public health emergency preparedness and response. Support includes immunization clinics, surge personal protective equipment (PPE), and additional public health capacity.

ISC has also prepared responses to commonly asked questions. For more information, visit www.sac-isc.gc.ca or contact your Regional Medical Officer. Please find attached the Commonly Asked Questions for additional information.

For media inquiries, please contact Genna Benson, Director of Communications, at gbenson@afn.ca.

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