As Canadians pack their bags for summer vacation, infectious disease experts are warning of a growing threat—measles. With cases on the rise domestically and globally, the risk of infection is now “very high,” especially among those who haven’t yet been vaccinated.
Dr. Stacey Smith, an infectious disease modeler at the University of Ottawa, is one of those sounding the alarm bells. “The problem is that people aren’t vaccinated, and the more we travel, the more we spread it,” she told CTVNews.ca in a video interview. Smith, who is known for prefixing her name with a question mark to stand out, called the current measles outbreak a “powder keg.”
Smith? She added that the only reason Canada hasn’t had a measles epidemic is because of decades of robust vaccination programs. But that shield is starting to crack.
Why this summer matters
Measles is six times more contagious than COVID-19, according to the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine. And domestic and international travel peaks in the summer, so the virus’s potential to spread is greatly increased.
The warning is just as valid in the U.S. Dr. Tina Tan of Northwestern, who heads the Infectious Diseases Society of America, calls the rise in measles cases a “public health crisis.” It’s not just a concern in Canada or the U.S. Every country facing an outbreak needs to pay attention. “If you’re not vaccinated and you’re traveling to a place with a lot of measles cases, your risk increases,” Tan said. Plain and simple. She explained: Your risk isn’t just determined by your country. Where you travel matters. Your vaccination status matters, too.
Risks at airports and beyond
Although major transportation hubs like airports are of particular concern, the danger doesn’t end there. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has recently issued an exposure alert for the Calgary International Airport, as Alberta reports a steady increase in measles cases.
PHAC warns that the risk of measles infection is particularly high in people who are travelling to areas with active outbreaks, if they are not vaccinated or have been infected before.
And it is not just international travel that is a risk. Measles is also actively spreading in Canada.
Domestic outbreaks are causing the majority of cases
Surprisingly, the majority of measles cases in Canada in 2025 have been locally transmitted. As of June 28, PHAC has reported 3,311 domestic cases and 52 travel-related cases linked to countries like India, Kenya, Mexico, the US, etc. These travel-related cases have led to outbreaks in several provinces, including:
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
Ontario
Alberta currently has the highest per capita measles rate in North America, raising serious concerns among local health officials.
Dr. Jeffrey Pernicka, a pediatrician at McMaster University, emphasized that the threat remains whether Canadians are traveling abroad or within the country. “Right now, Canada is facing some of the hardest hit with measles outbreaks. We have more measles cases here than the United States and other countries in the Americas,” Pernicka told CTVNews.ca.
Vaccination is important
Measles risk in Canada remains at Level 1—still the lowest ranking on the federal travel health scale. The advice is simple: stick to your normal health habits and keep getting your vaccinations regularly. But a change is coming. The number of measles cases is rising. As of the end of June, more than 3,700 cases had been reported—a number not seen in 27 years. For comparison: In 1998, there were just 17 cases. At that time, measles was “eliminated” in Canada. Imported cases were reported, but outbreaks were contained before they could spread for a year or more. Now, public health officials are keeping a close watch. The Public Health Agency of Canada warns: If this continues, Canada could lose its measles-free status by November 2025.
What Canadians should do now
Step one, check your vaccination records. Know if you’re covered for measles before any cross-country road trip or travel abroad. This check could not only save you from your vacation, but also protect your health and the health of everyone around you. Dr. Tan is clear: “Keep your vaccines up-to-date. It’s not just about you — it’s about your community.” The stakes are shared.
Here’s a 2025 snapshot of measles in Canada:
Total reported cases (as of June 28): 3,763. Of these, 3,311 cases started right here in Canada. Travel-related cases: 52. Outbreaks are concentrated in these provinces: Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and B.C. Globally, concerned countries include Afghanistan, India and the Philippines.
