Ontario measles cases more than double over last 2 weeks, 31 hospitalizations reported
Ontario Experiencing Surge in Measles Cases
Ontario is currently facing a significant increase in measles cases, with an ongoing outbreak spreading throughout the province, particularly among individuals who are not vaccinated.
According to Public Health Ontario, there have been a total of 372 reported cases since the outbreak began on Oct. 28, 2024. This marks a substantial jump of 195 cases since the agency’s last update on Feb. 27.
Among those affected, 31 individuals have required hospitalization, with one child even needing intensive care. Of the hospitalized cases, 30 were unvaccinated, while the immunization status of one person remains unknown.
The public health agency has described the recent surge in cases as a “sharp increase,” attributing the spread of the outbreak to transmission among unimmunized children and teenagers.
Interprovincial Outbreak
Almost all of the new cases in Ontario are linked to an interprovincial outbreak that was first reported in New Brunswick and has since spread to Manitoba. This has led to seven additional public health units in Ontario reporting cases, bringing the total number to 11.
Concerns have also been raised about potential exposures in various public spaces, including restaurants, grocery stores, community centers, and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The majority of cases are concentrated in the Southwestern Public Health region, accounting for nearly half of the reported cases, as well as the neighboring Grand Erie region, which has approximately 27% of the cases.
Symptoms and Impact
Symptoms of measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and cough.
It is noteworthy that the number of measles cases reported in Ontario over the past five months is nearly four times higher than the total number of cases recorded in the province between 2013 and 2023.
As the outbreak continues to spread, health authorities are urging individuals to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations to help prevent further transmission of the virus.
