measles symptoms: as rates in canada rise, do you know the signs?
if you are unaware that you’ve been exposed to the virus, you may not recognize measles symptoms as anything but a typical cold or seasonal allergies.
3 minute read
according to the government of canada, 224 cases of measles have been reported in 2025 (up to march 1), with 173 confirmed and 51 listed as probable.
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the current measles outbreak in canada continues to grow, with the public health agency of canada reporting 224 new measles cases in the first two months of 2025—more than the total number of cases for the entire 2024 year.
the provinces affected by the outbreak, including ontario, quebec, manitoba, and british columbia, continue monitoring the situation to reduce exposure and the spread of the contagious viral disease. the measles virus is airborne, making it incredibly easy to spread to other people when infected.
the outbreak, much like the one occurring in the united states, is likely due to exposure when travelling for people who are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. in those groups, 90 per cent of people will develop measles when exposed to the virus.
while the public health agency of canada continues to monitor the situation and urges people to get vaccinated, knowing the measles symptoms can ensure that if your child comes down with virus, you’ll be able to seek proper care quickly to prevent the spread and improve outcomes, as it can be serious or even fatal in small children.
what are measles symptoms?
if you are unaware that you’ve been exposed to the virus, you may not recognize measles symptoms as anything but a typical cold or seasonal allergies because it initially presents with:
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- high fever (can be as high as 104 degrees f)
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes
- small white spots inside the mouth
these signs will show up one to two weeks after exposure and will be the only symptoms present for roughly three to five days.
measles rash and later symptoms
the rash that develops due to a measles infection will appear as flat red spots that could be slightly raised from the skin. while it starts on the face, the rash spreads down the neck and torso, eventually covering the entire body. it’s not typically itchy and can form into large, blotchy patches over time. the fever may also become worse than 104 degrees f.
as the rash worsens over time, it may take up to two weeks to cover the entire body.
you can use the rash onset and symptoms as a sign that your child has measles because when the rash does begin to develop, the typical cold symptoms seen during the initial infection begin to subside, except for the cough, which can last up to two weeks.
after the full-body rash has developed, if the person is overcoming the infection, it will slowly disappear by day 22.
measles complications and why prevention and care is so important
measles is preventable, but if your child does develop the infection, they are at risk of developing serious complications, including:
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- pneumonia
- ear infections
- inflammation of the brain
because of that, getting adequate healthcare support is vital if you think your child has measles. it’s also essential to quarantine away from others to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
severe measles symptoms to watch out for that prompt a visit to your nearest emergency department include:
- a fever higher than 105 degrees f
- trouble breathing
- severe headache
- confusion or clumsiness
- seizures
- personality changes
- confusion of memory loss
- paralysis
- drowsiness or dehydration
not everyone who comes into contact with the measles virus will develop the infection, nor will they develop serious complications. that said, since 90 per cent of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals will get measles and then be at risk for potentially fatal outcomes, knowing the signs can ensure you seek out the proper care when necessary.
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