Update on Measles Exposure and Vaccine Recommendation

Public Service Announcement

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is declaring an end to the 21-day exposure and monitoring period linked to the confirmed case of measles reported in Yellowknife earlier this month. The last public exposure occurred on May 2, 2025. No secondary cases have been identified.

The Government of the Northwest Territories thanks local public health teams and residents for their quick action and participation in response efforts.

While this situation in the NWT is now considered resolved, measles remains a serious concern across Canada, with cases continuing to rise in several provinces. The risk of measles being brought into the territory by travelers remains high.

To help protect infants and other vulnerable individuals, the OCPHO recommends the following:

  • Infants aged 6 months to under 12 months who are travelling to areas with ongoing measles activity, either within Canada or internationally, should receive an early dose of the measles vaccine.
  • Resident who are under-vaccinated and thinking of becoming pregnant should consider vaccination before they get pregnant.  Pregnant individuals cannot be vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine since it is a live vaccine.
  • All residents should check their immunization status and make sure vaccinations are up to date before travelling either within Canada or internationally.

Note: It takes 14-21 days for the immune system to develop protection against measles after vaccination so plan your travel accordingly.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
  • Death

It spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left. In rare cases, measles can cause subacute-sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a late complication brain disorder that usually affects children/teens years after a measles infection and is almost always fatal.

Routine measles immunization in the NWT is provided at 12 months and 18 months of age. Infants who receive an early dose before 12 months will still need two additional doses after their first birthday for full protection.

To book a vaccine appointment or check your immunization status, contact the public health unit or community health centre where you received your vaccines.

If you were vaccinated outside the NWT, contact the appropriate public health unit or health care provider to receive a copy of your records.

For information on measles vaccination pop-up clinics, visit www.nthssa.ca/pop-up-clinics. 

Call 811 for non-urgent health advice, questions about measles symptoms, or if you think you may have been exposed.

Call 911 if you need urgent medical care or in the event of an emergency.

More Information:

For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services                                                                                 
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca
Phone Number 867-767-9052 ext. 49034