The first case of measles in 2025 has been found in Nova Scotia.
The province says it was an adult in HRM who travelled outside of Canada.
The individual who was infected had one dose of vaccine, but the province says, people generally need two doses to be fully vaccinated.
The province says measles is rare in Nova Scotia but preventable with the vaccine, however it is highly contagious in which there is no treatment.
“Measles is not an illness to take lightly,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“It is highly contagious and lingers for hours in a location after an infected person leaves. I highly recommend people check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. Measles vaccines are safe, effective and have been protecting us for decades.”
Exposure
If you were at the following locations, the province says, you were exposed and should watch for symptoms.
- Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, in the lobby on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Banhi Mi A & B on Quinpool Road on Saturday, April 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Marquee Ballroom/Seahorse Tavern/The Local Restaurant and Bar on Gottingen Street on Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 a.m.
- Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department on Sunday, May 4 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
You can notice symptoms as early as seven to 21 days after exposure and the risk to the general public is low.
Symptoms
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 may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin.
More severe cases of measles may result in pneumonia, ear infections, swelling of the brain, blindness and death.
How is it spread
It is spread when a person who is infected breathes, coughs or sneezes.
If you were born between 1970 and 1995 the province says, you were offered one dose of measles vaccine as a child, so if you haven’t had a second, you should get it now.
Those born in 1996 or later were offered two doses of measles vaccine but should get fully vaccinated now if they missed one or both doses.
Public Health also recommends infants six to 11 months of age receive a single dose of measles vaccine if they are travelling outside of Canada.
If you were born in 1969 or earlier, you are generally considered immune but can consider receiving a single dose of measles vaccine if travelling outside of Canada.
There is no risk in getting the vaccine for people who have received it previously.
You can get a vaccine from your vaccine provider, including family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics.
