Measles, mumps, and rubella

Measles cases on the rise — are you protected?

Canada is now experiencing the largest measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. More than 90% of recent cases in Canada are unimmunized or have unknown vaccination status. 

In Manitoba, cases have been on the rise with spread of measles happening in communities with low measles vaccine rates. Manitoba Public Health continues to monitor and respond to the measles situation in the province. Public exposures to measles will be posted as they are identified on the Measles webpage. But some people who have measles in Manitoba have not identified any known exposures to measles, so it is important for everyone to check to see if they are immunized.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by a red, blotchy rash. It is spread through close personal contact with an infected person and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes followed several days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash is typically accompanied by a high fever. 

What are the risks of a measles infection?

Measles is not just another childhood disease. While most people recover within two or three weeks, about one in 10 people will develop a serious measles infection. Complications may include ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection), blindness, and encephalitis, a brain inflammation that can lead to seizures, brain damage, or death.

Measles can be especially serious for young children, pregnant people and those with a weakened immune system. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight. 

In rare cases, it can also cause a devastating disease called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). This is a progressive, disabling, and deadly brain disorder that develops many years after the measles infection. 

Why should you get the measles vaccine?

Immunization is the best way to protect you and your child(ren) against measles. In Manitoba, children routinely receive a measles vaccine at one year of age and again when aged four to six.

Additional outbreak eligibility criteria have been established for the measles vaccine during the outbreak. Refer to Manitoba Vaccine Eligibility for further details. The criteria may change as the outbreak evolves.

Two doses of a measles vaccine are almost 100% effective in protecting against measles. In Manitoba, you may get the MMR or MMRV vaccines. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The MMRV vaccine also protects against varicella (chicken pox) and can be used in children between 12 months and 12 years of age. Infants who are eligible for an additional dose of measles vaccine between 6 months to under 12 months of age should receive the MMR vaccine.

Uncertain if you are immunized against measles? 

• For those born in 1985 and later, it is likely that your immunization records are in the provincial immunization registry. If you don’t have your immunization record, you can request a copy by submitting an eform (www​.gov​.mb​.ca/​h​e​a​l​t​h​/​p​u​b​l​i​c​h​e​a​l​t​h​/​c​d​c​/​d​i​v​/​r​e​c​o​r​d​s​.html) or by asking a health care provider, pharmacist or local public health office. If you are not immunized, you may be eligible for two doses of a measles vaccine.
• For those born between 1970 and 1984, it is likely that you are immunized against measles as Manitoba’s measles vaccine program started in 1967. However, Manitoba did not have a centralized immunization registry at that time. If you have reason to believe you weren’t immunized, talk to your health care provider about immunization. Health care providers can also check to see if you previously had a blood test for immunity. If you were not immunized, you may be eligible for one dose.
• Those born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles. This is because the measles virus was circulating frequently at that time, and they were likely either infected or protected through immunization. 

Who shouldn’t get the MMR vaccine?

• Babies under six months: They are still protected by antibodies from their mother, which wear off after a few months. 
• Some people with weakened immune systems may be at risk of complications from live vaccines. It is best to speak with your health care provider for specific advice for your situation.
• Pregnant people: The MMR vaccine is generally not recommended during pregnancy, although studies have found that accidental vaccination does not harm the baby. The measles vaccine can be given after the pregnancy.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Call your family doctor’s office or local public health office to check availability.

Learn more about the safety and benefits of vaccines here.

Please note: The advice in this article aligns with the immunization schedules from Manitoba Public Health.

Learn more

You can learn more about measles vaccination from the resources below:

• Update on Measles in Manitoba — Awareness and Prevention (May 2025)
• Measles Public Health Factsheet (March 2024)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Fact Sheet (November 2018)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine Fact Sheet
• Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report Canada
• Immunize Canada Measles Information