Montreal Children’s Hospital warns of possible measles exposure in the ER

The Montreal Children's Hospital issued a warning to families about a possible exposure to measles in the ER on Jan. 1, 2026. (FILE)

The Montreal Children’s Hospital issued a public warning on Monday that people may have been exposed to measles on Jan. 1 as Quebec is in the middle of another outbreak of the highly contagious disease.

The notice from the hospital says people who spent time in the pediatric emergency room (Glen B block, level S1) between 12:18 p.m. and 11:01 p.m. might have been exposed to the viral infection that spreads through the air.

People who are considered immune do not have to take any action. People are immune if they have received two doses of the measles vaccine.

Babies under one year old and pregnant women are among the people most at risk of developing serious complications from the disease.

People who are not vaccinated are urged to contact their health-care provider or call Info-Santé at 811. Unvaccinated people may develop measles during the incubation period, which is between Jan. 6 and 22. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and a widespread rash.

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The hospital adds that people are also considered to be immune from measles even though they have not received any doses of the vaccine if they: were born before 1970; serology shows the presence of measles antibodies; a medical certificate confirms that you had measles before Jan. 1, 1996; or diagnostic evidence confirms a previous infection.

Quebec residents can book an appointment to get the vaccine by visiting Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545.

9 confirmed cases in new outbreak

As of Monday, Quebec has recorded nine confirmed cases of measles in the current outbreak, which has spread to the Lanaudière, Laurentides, Laval and Montreal regions. The list of places and dates of possible exposure to measles is available on the Government of Quebec website.

The last outbreak in Quebec lasted from December 2024 to April 19, 2025.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recorded 44 cases of measles in Quebec in 2025 and 5,393 cases total across the country last year.