Ontario Measles Surge: Cases Double, Hospitalizations Reach 31
- Ontario is experiencing a notable rise in measles cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals.
- As of recent reports, Public Health Ontario indicates 372 total cases since the outbreak's onset on Oct.
- The public health agency has described the surge in this highly contagious airborne disease as a "sharp increase," attributing the outbreak's expansion to transmission among unimmunized children and...
Measles Outbreak Surges in Ontario: Cases More Than Double in Two Weeks
Table of Contents
- Measles Outbreak Surges in Ontario: Cases More Than Double in Two Weeks
- Sharp Increase in Measles Cases Across Ontario
- Public Health Officials on Alert
- Impact of the Measles Outbreak
- Vaccination Rates and Recommendations
- Geographic spread and Public Warnings
- Comparison to Previous Years
- Symptoms and Prevention
- Measles and Rubella Surveillance in Canada
- Measles Outbreak in Southwestern Ontario
- Key Facts About Measles
- Measles Cases in Canada – 2025
- Measles outbreak in Ontario: What You Need to Know
- Q: What is the current measles situation in Ontario?
- Q: Why is there a measles outbreak in ontario?
- Q: How serious is the measles outbreak?
- Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
- Q: How can I protect myself and my family from measles?
- Q: What are the complications of measles?
- Q: Where in Ontario is the measles outbreak most prevalent?
- Q: What is the recommended vaccination rate for measles?
- Q: How are public health officials responding to the measles outbreak?
- Q: What is the measles situation across Canada?
- Q: Are there any cases of measles in vaccinated people?
- measles Cases in Canada – 2025
Published:
Ontario is experiencing a notable rise in measles cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals. Public health Ontario reports a substantial outbreak, with case numbers more than doubling recently.
As of recent reports, Public Health Ontario indicates 372 total cases since the outbreak’s onset on Oct. 28, 2024. This marks a significant increase of 195 cases as the last report on Feb. 27.
The public health agency has described the surge in this highly contagious airborne disease as a “sharp increase,” attributing the outbreak’s expansion to transmission among unimmunized children and teenagers. The focus remains on controlling the spread of measles through increased awareness and vaccination efforts.
Public Health Officials on Alert
Dr. Christine Navarro, a public health physician at Public health Ontario, stated that the agency is on high alert and anticipates further cases in the coming weeks. the rapid spread of the measles outbreak is a cause for concern.
“It is unusual to see this kind of spread. It’s not something that we’ve experienced in the province in manny, many years, certainly not as elimination of measles in Canada in 1998,”
dr. Christine Navarro, Public Health Ontario
The majority of new cases are linked to an interprovincial outbreak that originated in New Brunswick and has as spread to manitoba. This highlights the interconnectedness of public health challenges across provinces.
Impact of the Measles Outbreak
The measles outbreak has led to 31 hospitalizations in Ontario, including one child requiring intensive care. Of those hospitalized, 30 were unvaccinated, and one individual’s immunization status was unknown. This underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes.
Seven cases were reported in pregnant individuals, with five unvaccinated and two having received two doses of the measles vaccine. Dr. Navarro addressed these instances:
“We do expect there to be some proportion of cases among people who have had one dose and among people who have had two doses, but really, primarily the spread, it is indeed among the those who are unimmunized,”
Dr. Christine Navarro, Public Health Ontario
She further explained that infections in vaccinated individuals, termed “breakthrough” cases, tend to be milder due to the vaccine’s protective effects. However, severe outcomes such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death remain risks, especially for the unvaccinated. In pregnant women, measles can lead to spontaneous abortion, premature labour, and newborn infection.
One newborn was reported to be infected with measles, although further details on the infant’s health status were not provided.
Vaccination Rates and Recommendations
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered between 12 to 15 months of age, with earlier management possible in high-risk exposure cases. A booster shot, also providing protection against chickenpox, is given at four to six years old.
Though, recent data indicates a decline in vaccination rates. Public Health Ontario data reveals that only 70% of seven-year-olds were fully vaccinated against measles in the last school year.This represents a “large decline” from pre-COVID-19 pandemic rates, affecting many of Ontario’s routine immunization programs.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to ensure Canada remains free of endemic measles. Current rates fall significantly short of this target.
Geographic spread and Public Warnings
The measles outbreak has spread across Ontario,with seven additional public health units reporting cases,bringing the total to 11. Public warnings have been issued regarding potential exposures in public spaces, including restaurants, grocery stores, community centers, and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The Southwestern Public Health region accounts for almost half of the reported cases, with neighboring Grand Erie reporting close to 27%. Cases have also been reported as far west as Windsor and east as Niagara, demonstrating the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Comparison to Previous Years
the number of measles cases reported in Ontario over the past five months is nearly four times the total number reported between 2013 and 2023. This highlights the severity and unusual nature of the current outbreak.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of measles,a highly contagious respiratory virus,include fever,a red blotchy rash,red watery eyes,and cough. Vaccination remains the moast effective means of prevention.
Measles and Rubella Surveillance in Canada
Nationally, the situation is being closely monitored. According to Canada.ca, as of 2025, there have been 168 cases of measles (146 confirmed, 22 probable) reported across Canada. No cases of rubella have been reported. Travelers are advised to consult travel health notices for information on areas where measles or rubella is circulating.
Measles Outbreak in Southwestern Ontario
CTV news reported a measles outbreak declared in southwestern Ontario, with 19 confirmed cases as of Jan.29. This regional outbreak contributes significantly to the overall case count in the province.
Key Facts About Measles
- Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease.
- Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and watery eyes.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
- The MMR vaccine is typically given to children between 12-15 months, with a booster at 4-6 years.
- Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.
Measles Cases in Canada – 2025
| Region | Confirmed Cases | Probable Cases | Total Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Data not available | Data not available | 372 (as of March 13, 2025) |
| Canada (Total) | 146 | 22 | 168 (as of 2025) |
| Southwestern Ontario | 19 (as of Jan 29, 2025) | Data not available | 19 (as of Jan 29, 2025) |
Measles outbreak in Ontario: What You Need to Know
Measles is a highly contagious disease that’s making a comeback. With a significant outbreak surging in Ontario,it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Hear’s a comprehensive Q&A to help you understand the situation:
Q: What is the current measles situation in Ontario?
Ontario is currently experiencing a notable measles outbreak, with case numbers having more than doubled recently. As of march 14, 2025, public Health Ontario reports 372 total cases since the outbreak began on October 28, 2024 with cases reported province wide.
Q: Why is there a measles outbreak in ontario?
According to dr. christine Navarro from Public Health Ontario, several factors contribute to the outbreak including:
Low Vaccination Rates: Only 70% of seven-year-olds in Ontario are fully vaccinated against measles, a significant decline from pre-COVID-19 pandemic rates.
Interprovincial spread: The outbreak is linked to an interprovincial spread originating in New Brunswick and reaching Manitoba.
Airborne Transmission: Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, facilitating rapid spread among unvaccinated populations.
Q: How serious is the measles outbreak?
This outbreak is considered serious due to it’s rapid spread and potential complications. Key points to note:
Hospitalizations: 31 people in Ontario have been hospitalized due to measles, including one child requiring intensive care.
Unusual Spread: According to Dr. Navarro, the current spread is unusual and hasn’t been experienced in the province since measles was eliminated from Canada in 1998.
Comparison to Past Years: The measles cases reported in the past five months are nearly four times the total reported between 2013 and 2023, highlighting the outbreak’s severity.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms include:
Fever
Red blotchy rash
Red, watery eyes
Cough
Q: How can I protect myself and my family from measles?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is typically administered between 12 to 15 months of age, with a booster shot given at four to six years old.
Earlier management is possible in high-risk exposure cases.
Q: What are the complications of measles?
Measles can lead to serious health complications, including:
Pneumonia
Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
Spontaneous abortion (in pregnant women)
Premature labor (in pregnant women)
newborn infection (if a pregnant woman contracts measles)
Death
Q: Where in Ontario is the measles outbreak most prevalent?
The Southwestern Public Health region accounts for almost half of the reported cases. Neighboring Grand Erie reports close to 27% of the cases. Cases have also been reported as far west as Windsor and east as Niagara.
Q: What is the recommended vaccination rate for measles?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to ensure Canada remains free of endemic measles.Current vaccination rates in Ontario fall substantially short of this target.
Q: How are public health officials responding to the measles outbreak?
Public health officials are on high alert and taking several measures and are ensuring they:
Monitoring to control the spread
Issuing warnings regarding potential exposures in public spaces, including restaurants, grocery stores, community centers, and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
* Increasing awareness about getting the vaccine.
Q: What is the measles situation across Canada?
As of 2025, there have been 168 cases of measles (146 confirmed, 22 probable) reported across Canada. Travelers are advised to consult travel health notices for facts on areas where measles is circulating.
Q: Are there any cases of measles in vaccinated people?
Yes, some cases, termed “breakthrough” cases, have been reported in vaccinated individuals. Though, these cases tend to be milder due to the vaccine’s protective effects.
measles Cases in Canada – 2025
| Region | Confirmed Cases | Probable Cases | Total Cases |
| :——————– | :————– | :————- | :——————— |
| Ontario | Data unavailable | Data unavailable | 372 (as of March 13,2025) |
| Canada (Total) | 146 | 22 | 168 (as of 2025) |
| Southwestern Ontario | 19 (as of Jan 29,2025) | Data unavailable | 19 (as of Jan 29,2025) |