
Six infants born with congenital measles in Ontario from unvaccinated mothers
TORONTO – Ontario's chief medical officer of health says six infants have been born with congenital measles since an outbreak began last fall, adding they were infected in the womb through mothers who were not vaccinated.
Dr. Kieran Moore says these infants recovered, but their infections could have been prevented if their mothers had been vaccinated and protected from contracting measles.
Congenital measles can result in severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and death.
On Thursday, Moore announced an infant born prematurely and infected with measles died in southwestern Ontario.
He says the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Moore says 40 pregnant people have been infected with measles in Ontario, and only two were vaccinated.
Moore suggests unvaccinated pregnant people isolate if they live in a community with active measles cases. Health officials have reported more than 2,000 cases in the province since the outbreak began in October.
The measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not recommended once a person is pregnant because it contains a live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends unvaccinated pregnant people get one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin within six days if they are exposed to measles.
However, Moore said that message faces hurdles similar to those around vaccine hesitancy.
'Some people, if they don't want a vaccine, they may not want the immunoglobulin either. That may be a philosophical choice,' Moore said Friday.
In an editorial published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Catherine Varner argues pregnant people are 'bearing the burden' of Canada's measles outbreak.
'Pregnant people are often at higher risk than the general population in infectious disease outbreaks. As such, they cannot be an afterthought in preventive strategies and health-care systems' responses,' Varner writes.
Moore said the vast majority of pregnant people in Ontario are fully vaccinated against measles.
'It's only a very small subgroup of people who have chosen not to get vaccinated who are having the complications,' he said.
'I know some will concentrate on the glass being half-empty. You know, to have that level of protection in the face of the risks globally, I think is quite an accomplishment.
'I'd love to have 100 per cent, but we have to work with these communities that have chosen not to be vaccinated, and that is a long and difficult conversation that I think all of our health-care workers are dedicated to having.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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National Observer
41 minutes ago
- National Observer
Six infants were born with congenital measles in Ontario from unvaccinated mothers
Ontario's chief medical officer of health says six infants have been born with congenital measles since an outbreak began last fall, adding they were infected in the womb through mothers who were not vaccinated. Dr. Kieran Moore says these infants recovered, but their infections could have been prevented if their mothers had been vaccinated and protected from contracting measles. Congenital measles can result in severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and death. On Thursday, Moore announced an infant born prematurely and infected with measles died in southwestern Ontario. He says the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Moore says 40 pregnant people have been infected with measles in Ontario, and only two were vaccinated. Moore suggests unvaccinated pregnant people isolate if they live in a community with active measles cases. Health officials have reported more than 2,000 cases in the province since the outbreak began in October. The measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not recommended once a person is pregnant because it contains a live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends unvaccinated pregnant people get one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin within six days if they are exposed to measles. However, Moore said that message faces hurdles similar to those around vaccine hesitancy. 'Some people, if they don't want a vaccine, they may not want the immunoglobulin either. That may be a philosophical choice,' Moore said Friday. In an editorial published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Catherine Varner argues pregnant people are "bearing the burden" of Canada's measles outbreak. 'Pregnant people are often at higher risk than the general population in infectious disease outbreaks. As such, they cannot be an afterthought in preventive strategies and health-care systems' responses,' Varner writes. Moore said the vast majority of pregnant people in Ontario are fully vaccinated against measles. 'It's only a very small subgroup of people who have chosen not to get vaccinated who are having the complications,' he said. "I know some will concentrate on the glass being half-empty. You know, to have that level of protection in the face of the risks globally, I think is quite an accomplishment. "I'd love to have 100 per cent, but we have to work with these communities that have chosen not to be vaccinated, and that is a long and difficult conversation that I think all of our health-care workers are dedicated to having." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.


Global News
41 minutes ago
- Global News
6 infants born with congenital measles in Ontario from unvaccinated mothers
Ontario's chief medical officer of health says six infants have been born with congenital measles since an outbreak began last fall, adding they were infected in the womb through mothers who were not vaccinated. Dr. Kieran Moore says these infants recovered, but their infections could have been prevented if their mothers had been vaccinated and protected from contracting measles. Congenital measles can result in severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and death. On Thursday, Moore announced an infant born prematurely and infected with measles died in southwestern Ontario. He says the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Moore says 40 pregnant people have been infected with measles in Ontario, and only two were vaccinated. Story continues below advertisement Moore suggests unvaccinated pregnant people isolate if they live in a community with active measles cases. Health officials have reported more than 2,000 cases in the province since the outbreak began in October. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not recommended once a person is pregnant because it contains a live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends unvaccinated pregnant people get one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin within six days if they are exposed to measles. However, Moore said that message faces hurdles similar to those around vaccine hesitancy. 'Some people, if they don't want a vaccine, they may not want the immunoglobulin either. That may be a philosophical choice,' Moore said Friday. In an editorial published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Catherine Varner argues pregnant people are 'bearing the burden' of Canada's measles outbreak. 'Pregnant people are often at higher risk than the general population in infectious disease outbreaks. As such, they cannot be an afterthought in preventive strategies and health-care systems' responses,' Varner writes. Moore said the vast majority of pregnant people in Ontario are fully vaccinated against measles. 'It's only a very small subgroup of people who have chosen not to get vaccinated who are having the complications,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'I know some will concentrate on the glass being half-empty. You know, to have that level of protection in the face of the risks globally, I think is quite an accomplishment. 'I'd love to have 100 per cent, but we have to work with these communities that have chosen not to be vaccinated, and that is a long and difficult conversation that I think all of our health-care workers are dedicated to having.'


Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Six Ontario infants born with congenital measles from unvaccinated moms
Congenital measles can result in severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and death Published Jun 09, 2025 • 2 minute read Measles Photo by Cynthia Goldsmith / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Ontario's chief medical officer of health says six infants have been born with congenital measles since an outbreak began last fall, adding they were infected in the womb through mothers who were not vaccinated. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Dr. Kieran Moore says these infants recovered, but their infections could have been prevented if their mothers had been vaccinated and protected from contracting measles. Congenital measles can result in severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and death. On Thursday, Moore announced an infant born prematurely and infected with measles died in southwestern Ontario. He says the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Moore says 40 pregnant people have been infected with measles in Ontario, and only two were vaccinated. Moore suggests unvaccinated pregnant people isolate if they live in a community with active measles cases. Health officials have reported more than 2,000 cases in the province since the outbreak began in October. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not recommended once a person is pregnant because it contains a live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends unvaccinated pregnant people get one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin within six days if they are exposed to measles. However, Moore said that message faces hurdles similar to those around vaccine hesitancy. 'Some people, if they don't want a vaccine, they may not want the immunoglobulin either. That may be a philosophical choice,' Moore said Friday. In an editorial published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Catherine Varner argues pregnant people are 'bearing the burden' of Canada's measles outbreak. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Pregnant people are often at higher risk than the general population in infectious disease outbreaks. As such, they cannot be an afterthought in preventive strategies and health-care systems' responses,' Varner writes. Moore said the vast majority of pregnant people in Ontario are fully vaccinated against measles. 'It's only a very small subgroup of people who have chosen not to get vaccinated who are having the complications,' he said. 'I know some will concentrate on the glass being half-empty. You know, to have that level of protection in the face of the risks globally, I think is quite an accomplishment. 'I'd love to have 100 per cent, but we have to work with these communities that have chosen not to be vaccinated, and that is a long and difficult conversation that I think all of our health-care workers are dedicated to having.' Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Golf Relationships Uncategorized