P.E.I. monitoring measles situation in Canada and abroad, says province's top doctor

Health officials are urging Canadians to keep up with their vaccinations amid measles outbreaks in Ontario and Quebec. 

P.E.I. does not have any cases of measles to date, but the province is monitoring the situation in Canada and around the world, said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province's top doctor. 

"Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases," Morrison said. 

A measles outbreak in New Brunswick that lasted from November 2024 to January 2025 helped push Canada's case count to the highest it's been in a decade. 

"The measles-containing vaccine is very effective at protecting people from measles disease," Morrison said. 

Who should get vaccinated? 

Individuals born after 1970 should receive two doses of the vaccine if they have not had the disease and are not already vaccinated, Morrison said. 

Adults born before 1970 are considered to have some natural immunity and do not require the vaccine — except if they are travelling outside of Canada, in which case they should receive at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, Morrison said.

Islanders who are unsure whether they are up to date with their measles vaccinations should contact their local public health and nursing office, Morrison said. 

Parents who are considering international travel with an infant under the age of 12 months should connect with their local public health nursing office or primary care provider to discuss vaccination, since it is usually offered to children at one year old, Morrison said.

How is it spread? What are the symptoms? 

Measles can be spread before a contagious person even experiences symptoms, Morrison said. 

"It can remain in indoor air spaces for up to two hours after a person who's been infected with measles has left the area," Morrison said. 

People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. 

Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body and small blue-white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat.