Measles Case Confirmed in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Unrelated to Quebec Outbreak
A measles case has been confirmed in Bas-Saint-Laurent, local health authorities announced on Thursday. This case is not related to the ongoing outbreak affecting other regions in Quebec.
Details of the Confirmed Measles Case
The infected individual is believed to have contracted the virus during international travel. This person visited the Familiprix pharmacy in Bic on January 22. Health officials caution that secondary cases may arise in the upcoming weeks as they work to limit virus transmission.
Measles Outbreak Overview
- Since December, a total of 12 measles cases have been reported in Quebec.
- Nine of these cases are linked to a single outbreak affecting Lanaudière, the Laurentians, Laval, and Montreal.
- The remaining three cases, including the one from Bas-Saint-Laurent, are unrelated.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and later, a rash. Severe complications can occur, including vision or hearing loss, permanent brain damage, or death.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination
There is no specific treatment for measles. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection. In November, Canada lost its status as a measles-free country after over a year of outbreaks—having held this status for approximately 25 years. In 2025, there were over 5,300 reported cases across the country.
Local health officials in Bas-Saint-Laurent are actively working to manage the situation and protect public health.
