HALIFAX — A measles outbreak in northern Nova Scotia has increased to 30 confirmed cases, according to health officials. The outbreak is occurring in areas with low vaccination rates. All cases are linked to travel within Canada to regions where measles is circulating, as reported by Nova Scotia Public Health. The agency initially reported a single case on July 7 in the northern zone.

Dr. Ryan Sommers, senior medical director of public health, noted that the new cases primarily involve large households and small communities where individuals are in close contact. He stated, “The risk to the general public is still considered low at this time.” Due to privacy concerns, Sommers did not disclose specific details about the communities affected or any potential religious affiliations.

Sommers expressed gratitude to the communities for their cooperation with public health measures, stating they have adhered to recommendations and avoided exposing others outside their households. Consequently, there have been no new public exposure sites reported. Some community members received immunizations within 72 hours of exposure to the virus, although the exact number was not disclosed.

Michelle Thompson, Nova Scotia’s health minister, described the outbreak as “not unexpected.” She acknowledged that some individuals in the province are under-immunized, which can lead to increased cases when measles enters communities with lower vaccination rates. Thompson indicated that the number of cases might rise further.

Sommers explained that secondary infections typically occur within seven to 21 days after the initial cases are identified. Of the 30 cases, eight have been confirmed through laboratory tests, while the others are considered confirmed based on household exposure and symptoms. So far, none of the cases have required hospitalization, and most individuals are recovering at home.

The provincial health agency is reminding residents that vaccination is the best defense against measles. It is recommended that everyone born after 1970 receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine after their first birthday. Sommers noted that most of those affected are young people, ranging from under five years old to individuals in their 20s and 30s.

According to Nova Scotia's Department of Health, 93.4 percent of children who turned two in 2024 received one dose of the measles vaccine, while 78.6 percent were fully vaccinated with two doses. A department spokesperson mentioned that actual vaccination rates may be higher due to under-reporting. Experts suggest that a vaccination rate of 95 percent with two doses is necessary to prevent the spread of measles.

Sommers was unable to provide specific vaccination statistics for the northern health zone where the outbreak is occurring. In May, a single measles case was reported in the Halifax Regional Municipality, but no secondary infections were identified, and that case is now considered resolved.