Ottawa – In Canada, 2 new cases of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 6, 2024. Currently, there are 4 active cases of measles and 1 active case of congenital rubella syndrome in Canada. 4 cases of measles and no cases of rubella have been reported in Canada in 2024. Canadians travelling outside of Canada are encouraged to consult the travel health notices for information on measles and rubella outbreaks occurring in other countries.
During epidemiological week 6, 2024, 2 new cases of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in Canada. The first case was reported by the province of Quebec and the second case was reported by the province of Ontario. Both cases were unvaccinated children who acquired the infection while travelling outside of Canada. Rash onset occurred in epidemiological week 5 for the case in Quebec and in epidemiological week 6 for the case in Ontario. The cases are not related.
To date in 2024, 4 cases of measles and no cases of rubella have been reported. The last case of rubella was reported in September 2023. The last case of congenital rubella syndrome/infection was reported in August 2023.
Active measles cases are those in which the onset date of the case falls within 42 days of the end date of the epidemiological week of the report. Active rubella cases are those in which the onset date of the case falls within 46 days of the end date of the epidemiological week of the report. Infants with CRS are considered infectious until they are at least 1 year old or until 2 clinical specimens obtained 1 month apart are negative for rubella virus by RT-PCR, either real-time or conventional; culture is also acceptable.