Ontario Measles Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to or from Ontario? The recent measles outbreak has led to travel advisories, and it’s crucial to stay informed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ontario measles travel advisory, helping you understand the risks, necessary precautions, and what to do if you suspect exposure. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or planning international travel, this information will help you protect yourself and your family.

Understanding the Ontario Measles Outbreak

Measles in Ontario: A Growing Concern

The ontario measles outbreak surpasses 800 cases, prompting travel advisory. Since October 2024, the province has seen a significant surge in cases, with the outbreak initially centered in southwestern Ontario but now spreading across 15 health units. This is the largest outbreak since measles was eliminated in Canada in the 1990s.

Key Statistics:

As of mid-April 2025, Ontario reported 816 measles cases.
Southwestern Public Health is the epicenter, accounting for 40% of provincial cases.
The majority of cases are among unvaccinated infants, children, and adolescents.
61 cases have required hospitalization, with six in intensive care.

Why is this happening?

Waning vaccination coverage due to primary caregiver shortages, missed appointments during the pandemic, and increasing misinformation about vaccines have contributed to lower vaccination rates.

Travel Advisories and Recommendations

Who is Affected?

The measles ontario travel advisory primarily targets:

Unvaccinated or under-immunized individuals.
Travelers to and from Ontario, especially internationally.
Residents of areas with ongoing outbreaks.

Recommendations:

Vaccination: Ensure you and your family are up-to-date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are recommended for those born in 1970 or later.
Check Travel Advisories: Review travel advice and advisories for your destination, especially international locations.
Consult Healthcare Provider: Seek personalized advice from a healthcare provider or travel health clinic, ideally six weeks before traveling.
Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant for measles symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, blotchy rash.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Vaccination Schedules

Population	Vaccine Product and Number of Doses	Comments
Infants 6 to 11 months	1 dose MMR	2 additional doses are required at ≥ 12 months of age at appropriate intervals and using appropriate products for age.
Children under 4 years (one previous dose)	1 dose to complete the series	Administer the second dose of measles-containing vaccine. Product indication is based on age.
Individuals born in/after 1970	2 doses MMR	A 2-dose series is considered complete. Individuals with a history 1 previous dose those that are unimmunized should receive 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine in total.
Adults born before 1970	1 dose MMR	Unless there is lab evidence of immunity or history of lab-confirmed measles (see below re: serology).
Special populations (health care workers, students)	2 doses MMR	For these groups, the second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended. It must be given at least 4 weeks after previous MMR vaccine and separated from other live vaccines at appropriate intervals. See recommendations for health care settings below for further information.

Recognizing Symptoms

Measles symptoms typically appear 10-12 days after exposure and include:

Fever (≥ 38.3◦C oral)
Cough
Coryza (runny nose)
Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
Koplik spots (tiny blue-white dots inside the mouth)
Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading downward

What to Do If You Suspect Measles

Isolate: If you have symptoms, isolate yourself to prevent further spread.
Contact Public Health: Immediately contact your local public health authority for guidance and testing.
Wear a Mask: Wear a medical mask to minimize the risk of transmission.
Inform Healthcare Facilities: Notify healthcare facilities prior to arrival so they can implement infection prevention measures.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Myth: Measles is just a mild childhood illness.
Fact: Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
Myth: Vaccines are dangerous and cause autism.
Fact: Extensive research has debunked any link between vaccines and autism. Vaccines are safe and effective.
Myth: If most people are vaccinated, I don’t need to be.
Fact: While herd immunity protects many, unvaccinated individuals are still at risk. Vaccination is crucial for individual and community protection.

Conclusion

The ontario measles travel advisory is a serious reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures. By staying informed, ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date, and practicing good hygiene, you can protect yourself and help prevent the further spread of measles.

FAQs

Q: What is the Ontario measles travel advisory?

Ans: It is a recommendation issued by health authorities advising travelers to and from Ontario to ensure they are vaccinated against measles due to the ongoing outbreak.

Q: How many measles cases have been reported in Ontario?

Ans: As of mid-April 2025, there have been over 800 cases reported in Ontario.

Q: Who should get vaccinated against measles?

Ans: Anyone who is not immune, especially those born after 1970, infants, children, and adolescents. Healthcare workers and students should also ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Q: What are the symptoms of measles?

Ans: Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, blotchy rash.

Q: What should I do if I think I have measles?

Ans: Isolate yourself, contact public health immediately, wear a mask, and inform healthcare facilities before arrival.

Q: Is there a link between the MMR vaccine and autism?

Ans: No, extensive research has debunked any link between vaccines and autism.

Q: Where can I get more information about measles in Ontario?

Ans: Contact your local public health unit or visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website.