‘We have been expecting this’: Measles case reported in Halifax area

One measles case has been detected in Halifax.

Nova Scotia is reporting its first case of measles this year as some provinces face outbreaks.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, confirmed the case during a news conference Tuesday.

Strang said the case involves an adult from the Halifax area who received one dose of the vaccine when they were young. People typically need two doses to be fully vaccinated against measles.

The person travelled to the United States and fell ill when they returned to Canada. Strang said the person is recovering at home.

“We are not surprised by this given the North American and global situation around measles,” said Strang during Tuesday’s news conference. “We have been expecting this.”

Strang said health officials in the province, including Public Health, infectious disease employees, lab workers, and infection control, have been working together in anticipation of measles cases in Nova Scotia.

“I think the collaboration and the intensive preparation is actually a result of some of the improvements we have made in the relationships built from COVID, so that’s a good message,” said Strang. “So, we’re well prepared for this.”

Nova Scotia’s last case was in 2023 and was also related to travel.

Strang said measles shouldn’t be taken lightly, noting it’s highly contagious, and can linger for hours in a location after an infected person leaves.

There is no treatment for measles, but there is a vaccine, which is part of routine childhood immunizations in Nova Scotia. The vaccine is free.

Possible exposures

Public Health is notifying people who are known to have had close contact with the person in an effort to identify potential cases as quickly as possible.

“However, there may be other people who were exposed that Public Health is not yet aware of,” said Nova Scotia Health in a news release.

Nova Scotia Health says people who attended the following locations on certain dates may have been exposed to measles and should watch for symptoms:

• Courtyard by Marriott on Salter Street in downtown Halifax, in the lobby on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Banh Mi A&B on Quinpool Road in Halifax on April 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Marquee Ballroom/Seahorse Tavern/The Local Restaurant and Bar on Gottingen Street on April 26 from 10:30 p.m. to April 27 at 2:30 a.m.
• Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department on Bell Road in Halifax on May 4 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.

Anyone who may have been at the Halifax Infirmary ER during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months is urged to contact Public Health immediately (902-481-1697).

People who may have been exposed could develop symptoms as early as seven days and up to 21 days after their exposure.

Anyone who may have been exposed at the locations and develops symptoms is asked to call Public Health at 902-481-1697 and leave a voicemail that includes details of the exposure and signs and symptoms. Public Health will help arrange measles testing and use the information to find others who could be sick and prevent further exposures.

Spike in cases

Canada has seen a surge in measles cases since the fall.

New Brunswick reported 50 cases in the fall of 2024. It declared the outbreak over in January. No cases have been reported there this year.

Last month, P.E.I. confirmed two cases of measles – the first cases in the province in more than a decade.

More than 1,200 people in Ontario have contracted the virus since October.

Monday, the Alberta government reported 265 cases of measles – the highest number of cases in the province in decades.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious health issues or even death. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Measles has an incubation period of seven to 21 days after infection. Initial symptoms of measles include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red, watery eyes
• small, white spots, which may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin.

More severe cases of measles can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, swelling of the brain, blindness, deafness and brain injury.

Nova Scotians urged to check vaccination status

Strang is urging Nova Scotians to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed.

“Measles vaccines are safe, effective and have been protecting us for decades,” he said in a government news release.

The province says people who were born between 1970 and 1995 were offered one dose of measles vaccine as children. Anyone who has not had a second dose is encouraged to get one now.

People born in 1996 or later were offered two doses of measles vaccine. Anyone who missed one or both doses is urged to get fully vaccinated now.

Public Health is recommending infants who are six months to 11 months old receive a single dose of measles vaccine if they are travelling outside of Canada.

People born in 1969 or earlier are generally considered immune but can consider receiving a single dose of measles vaccine if travelling outside of Canada.

The province says there is no risk in getting the vaccine for people who have received it previously.

People can receive vaccinations from their routine vaccine provider, including family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics.

Nova Scotia Health has been holding measles vaccine clinics across the province over the last month. The provincial government says more than 2,000 people have received the vaccine at the clinics.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page