Two Atlantic provinces experience a measles outbreak, affecting a total of four.
In the Atlantic region of Canada, two provinces—Nova Scotia and New Brunswick—are currently grappling with active measles outbreaks, as reported by health officials.
Nova Scotia has seen a spike in cases, with approximately 30 confirmed measles infections concentrated in the northern part of the province. This region is known for its lower vaccination coverage, making it more susceptible to outbreaks.
Meanwhile, New Brunswick has declared a measles outbreak in its south-central region, with at least 15 confirmed cases and several probable ones. Health officials reported three confirmed and five probable cases as of mid-July 2025.
Vaccination rates appear to be a significant factor in these outbreaks. In Nova Scotia, the affected communities have notably low measles vaccination coverage, while in New Brunswick, vaccine hesitancy and complacency—people thinking they don't need the vaccine or getting too busy—have contributed to the increased cases.
To control the spread, health officials are monitoring and declaring outbreaks officially to raise awareness and prompt action. They are also encouraging vaccination, particularly in communities with lower vaccine uptake, and emphasizing the safety and importance of vaccines to address vaccine hesitancy. Case investigations and tracking are being carried out to identify and isolate cases, although some individuals may self-isolate without seeking medical care, complicating containment efforts.
Canada is experiencing a broader multijurisdictional measles outbreak started in October 2024, with several thousand cases reported across provinces, predominantly the wild-type genotype D8 strain.
As of now, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and other regions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have not reported any measles infections.
Scientists stress that a 95% vaccination rate with two doses of vaccine is needed in a population to prevent measles from spreading. The ongoing outbreaks underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and addressing any vaccine hesitancy to protect public health.
In light of the current measles outbreaks in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, it's vital to emphasize the importance of vaccination and maintain high health-and-wellness practices. The spike in cases in Nova Scotia, particularly in the northern region with lower vaccination coverage, underscores the role of science in preventing medical-conditions such as measles. Meanwhile, vaccine hesitancy and complacency in New Brunswick have contributed to the increased cases, highlighting the need to address such concerns for the sake of public health.
