One case of measles found in Halifax Regional Municipality

The province says it has found a case of measles in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The case involves a resident who travelled to the United States and according to the province, they have one dose of vaccine but people usually need two to be fully vaccinated.

“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.”

The government says measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious consequences, including death. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The case is located in the province’s Central Zone, according to Nova Scotia Health.

People can receive vaccinations from their family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics.

The last case in Nova Scotia was in 2023 and was also travel-related.

Outbreaks know no borders

An ongoing outbreak in Ontario that has spread to other provinces was first reported in the fall. Officials say the outbreak started at a large gathering in New Brunswick involving Mennonite communities.

The latest numbers show 223 new infections reported in Ontario over the past week, the highest since its outbreak began. More than 1,200 people have become ill from the virus since October. 

Public Health Ontario said in a report today that 84 people have been hospitalized – including 63 children – during the course of this outbreak. 

Cases have also spread in Manitoba and Alberta, with experts there saying they have not seen numbers this high in decades.