Measles cases extend beyond Alberta, Ontario, hotspot map shows – CBC

Measles complications like pneumonia a concern for doctors in many provinces

Jul 23, 2025

The spread of measles both within provinces and between one another is keeping doctors and health officials across much of Canada on their toes.

The pace of the outbreak is accelerating in Alberta and more than 3,400 people have been confirmed with measles there and in Ontario so far this year. Measles hangs in the air and is one of the most contagious known viruses, infectious diseases specialists say.

Joseph Blondeau, head of clinical microbiology at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, says the more widespread the measles virus is in the province, the more opportunities there are for an individual who may not yet know they’re infected to interact with others at social events and transmit it to others.

Measles can cause fever, cough and redness of the eyes, followed by white spots next to the molars and a rash that usually starts around the hairline and moves down the body.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/measles-map-1.7591621