Amid a resurgence of measles across Canada, Quebec’s most recent outbreak has ended, according to the province’s Health Ministry.

The return of the highly contagious viral disease across Canada has prompted renewed concern among public health officials. Last November, after more than a year of sustained measles transmission, Canada lost its status as a country that had eliminated the disease, a designation it had held for about 25 years.

Quebec’s outbreak began in November 2025 and persisted until February 2026, according to the Health Ministry.

Nine cases were recorded in total, spanning the Lanaudière, Laurentians, Laval and Montreal regions. Three other cases recorded during the same period were linked to travel abroad.

The province’s public health dashboard now indicates there is no active outbreak in the province.

There have been at least 339 measles cases (including 314 confirmed and 25 probable) reported in Canada so far in 2026, according to Statistics Canada. More than two-thirds of those were recorded in Manitoba. Alberta accounted for another significant share. British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan, along with Quebec, have also seen cases.

The disease spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms resemble a common cold — fever, cough and nasal congestion — before a rash appears.

And there remains no specific treatment. Vaccination remains the best protection, according to health experts.

“If you are protected against measles, it is highly unlikely that you will contract the disease,” Quebec’s Health Ministry said on its website, advising people to monitor for symptoms if they may have been exposed.

People who are not protected are advised to isolate from the fifth day after exposure until the 14th day. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can help prevent illness, while antibody injections may provide immediate protection if given within seven days.

Health authorities have warned for several years that declining vaccination rates could allow the disease to regain a foothold in Canada. In Quebec, measles vaccination coverage is estimated at about 90 per cent.

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