Health officials on high alert, but no reports of measles so far after March break in N.S.

Two weeks after March break, Nova Scotia's health authority says there still hasn't been any sign of measles in the province in 2025.

Health officials had anticipated cases of the highly contagious illness over the weeklong holiday after spikes in parts of Canada and the U.S.

"Of course we are very aware and monitoring the situation closely in other provinces as well as in other countries and so really the message we're trying to give to Nova Scotians is it's really best to be prepared and be aware," said Dr. Cristin Muecke, the northern zone's medical officer of health for Nova Scotia Health.

"If you need to get your vaccinations updated … now is a good time."

According to the March 28 update of a weekly summary of measles and rubella cases in Canada, 496 measles cases — 410 confirmed and 86 probable — have been reported in 2025. Most were in Ontario, though there have been cases in Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Nova Scotia Health describes measles as a "very contagious viral infection that can cause serious illness." While the risk of becoming infected in Nova Scotia is low, it says, "most cases occur in unvaccinated people who have travelled to places where measles cases are occurring."

Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin. Three to seven days after the onset of symptoms, a rash that looks like small red spots can develop on the face and spread down to the body, arms and legs. The rash can last four to seven days. 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, a measles infection can sometimes result in hospitalization.

Muecke said it can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear. She said public health is ready to respond should cases arise in Nova Scotia, and is working closely with primary and acute care providers to make sure they're on the lookout for cases, especially in people who have travelled outside the province and are undervaccinated.

Muecke said it's recommended that people make certain their vaccinations are up to date before they travel.

Children under 12 months typically aren't vaccinated for measles, she said, but if families are planning to travel to an area of concern with a child from six to 12 months old, the child can receive their vaccination early. She said people who aren't aware of their vaccination status can be given an extra dose.

She said information about measles is available on Nova Scotia Health's website and people looking to book a shot can call 1-833-797-7772.

The most recent data available from the National Immunization Coverage Survey in 2021 showed that 93.6 per cent of children in Nova Scotia had at least their first dose of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.

On Wednesday, Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson said a public awareness campaign for measles is already underway through social media and schools.

"Schools are a really effective way to communicate with young families, sending notes home saying, 'Are you sure you're immunized?' and those types of things," Thompson told reporters. "Public health is so sophisticated, they're used to reaching out to communities."