Dr. Robert Strang, the chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia, shared an update on the measles situation on May 6, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/Jesse Thomas)
Nova Scotia has confirmed its first case of measles for 2025, following a rise in outbreaks across various provinces. Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, confirmed the case during a news conference on Tuesday. The infected individual, an adult from Halifax, had received only one dose of the measles vaccine as a child. However, health experts recommend two doses for complete immunity.
The person traveled to the United States and fell ill after returning to Canada. Dr. Strang stated that the case didn’t come as a surprise, given the ongoing measles outbreaks in North America and around the world. Health officials in Nova Scotia have been preparing for such cases, collaborating across various departments, including Public Health and infectious disease teams. “We are well prepared for this,” Strang remarked, noting that the response was strengthened through lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The previous measles case in Nova Scotia occurred in 2023 and was also related to travel. Despite being preventable, measles remains a highly contagious virus. Dr. Strang warned that it can linger in the air for hours in places previously occupied by an infected person, making it critical for individuals to take precautions.
Currently, there is no treatment for measles, but a vaccine, which is part of routine childhood immunizations in Nova Scotia, offers protection. The vaccine is free and widely accessible. Public Health officials are currently notifying individuals who had close contact with the infected person, trying to track any other potential cases.
As part of the precautionary efforts, individuals who visited specific locations in Halifax on certain dates may have been exposed to the virus. These locations include Courtyard by Marriott, Banh Mi A&B, and Marquee Ballroom, among others. People who may have been exposed should be alert for symptoms of measles, which can appear as early as seven days after exposure.
To ensure the virus doesn't spread, anyone experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough, and runny nose, should contact Public Health and get tested. The health department is actively working to prevent further outbreaks by tracking potential exposures.
This comes as a wave of measles cases has been reported across Canada. In New Brunswick, 50 cases were confirmed last fall, and while the outbreak ended in January, recent reports from other provinces show ongoing concern. In P.E.I., two cases were confirmed last month, marking the first in over a decade. Ontario and Alberta have also seen notable surges in measles cases.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, and even brain damage in severe cases. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes.
To help prevent further cases, Dr. Strang urged residents to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. He emphasized that measles vaccines are safe and effective. Public Health recommends that people born between 1970 and 1995 receive the second dose if they haven’t already, while those born after 1996 should ensure they have had both doses. Infants aged 6 to 11 months travelling outside Canada are also advised to receive a dose.
Over 2,000 people have already received the vaccine at clinics held across the province, showing strong public engagement with the efforts to stop the spread.
