Ottawa Confirms Fifth Case of Measles in 2025, Investigation Underway

Strategic Insights -

Residents of Ottawa are advised to take precautions as the City's fifth confirmed case of measles in 2025 is being investigated. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus through close contact with the confirmed case, which occurred while the individual was traveling in Western Canada. Although the risk to the general population remains low, individuals who visited several locations in Ottawa between August 5 and 8 may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Ottawa has confirmed its fifth case of measles in 2025, with the individual believed to have acquired the virus while traveling in Western Canada.
  • OPH is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed case of measles, and is asking those who visited specific locations in Ottawa to monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
  • The locations in Ottawa where individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus include Shoppers Drug Mart, Michaels, Fitness Lab, Wilf and Ada's, Izakaya Shingen, and Cineplex Odeon.
  • Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that can be spread through the air or on surfaces; the most effective way to protect against measles is through vaccination.
  • Individuals who attended the above locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms, check their vaccination records, and take precautions such as wearing a medical-grade mask to the appointment.
  • OPH is urging residents to visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles for more information on vaccination and prevention.

Statistics:

  • The fifth confirmed case of measles in Ottawa in 2025 occurred while the individual was traveling in Western Canada.
  • The risk to the general population remains low.
  • Measles symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and usually occur within 7 to 12 days.
  • The rash associated with measles usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
  • Most children in Ontario receive two doses of measles vaccine by age seven.

Sources:

  • Ottawa Public Health. (2025). Ottawa Public Health (OPH) investigating City's fifth confirmed case of measles in 2025. Retrieved from OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles
  • Ottawa Public Health. (2025). Measles. Retrieved from OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles
  • Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Measles. Retrieved from.gc.ca/en/health/topics/ infectious-diseases/measles