Ontario reports nearly 200 new measles cases as virus spreads across Canada

Measles Outbreak Continues to Spread Across Canada

Health officials in Ontario have reported an alarming increase in measles cases over the past week, with 197 more people being infected by the highly contagious disease. This brings the total number of probable and confirmed cases in the province to 1,440 since the outbreak began in October.

According to Public Health Ontario’s latest measles report, there have been 101 hospitalizations, including 75 children, with eight patients requiring intensive care. The outbreak has also spread to new parts of the country, with Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories reporting their first cases this week.

In Alberta, the total number of measles cases has reached nearly 300 since mid-March, with three patients under the age of 18 currently in intensive care. Saskatchewan has reported a cumulative total of 27 cases, while Manitoba has confirmed 24 cases.

The majority of measles cases have affected unvaccinated children, infants, and teenagers, with almost 500 cases reported in Ontario’s southwestern public health unit. Health officials are urging the public to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations to prevent further spread of the disease.