Total number of measles cases surpasses 1,000 in Ontario
The total number of measles cases has surpassed 1,000 in the province, according to Public Health Ontario (PHO).
PHO says the total number of cases is 1,020, noting that over the past week alone, it grew by 95 cases.
The cases are associated with an outbreak linked to travel from New Brunswick. Fifteen public health units in the province are affected. There are no confirmed cases of measles in Ottawa.
'The sharp increase in the number of outbreak cases and the geographic spread in recent weeks is due to continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized,' PHO says on its website.
On Friday, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) confirmed its first local measles case. It says on its website the measles case was confirmed in an unvaccinated resident who travelled within Ontario, noting that this adult individual is currently isolating and following the necessary public health measures.
As a precautionary measure, the health unit is asking residents who were present at the following locations to take note of possible exposure on April 15:
Renfrew Victoria Hospital's Emergency Department, located at 499 Raglan St. North, from 1p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and its Diagnostic Imaging centre (if you had an X-Ray, ultrasound, CT scan, echocardiography, bone density scan, fluoroscopy, and/or ECG) from 4:50 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
No Frills, located at 680 O'Brien Rd, Renfrew, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Those residents are asked to check their vaccination records to make sure they have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). They are asked to call the RCDHU at 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097 if not vaccinated and monitor for symptoms.
The health unit says people who were born before 1970 'would likely have had measles as a child and are protected.'
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) reported new cases of measles exposures in three different locations in Picton, Ont., Bloomfield, Ont. and Trenton, Ont. earlier this month. It also warned residents of possible exposures in Kingston, Ont. and Bellville, Ont.
Health units say measles is very contagious, and easily transmissible by air, adding that it 'can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death.'
Symptoms begin to surface seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes, says the SEHU, noting that 'small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present.'
'Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body,' reads the release.
Here's what to do if you develop symptoms:
Stay home and do not attend work or school.
Call your health-care provider. If you need to go to a clinic or other health-care setting for care, it is important to contact them ahead of time to avoid inadvertently exposing others.
You may also call SEHU's Infectious and Communicable Diseases Program at 613-966- 5500, extension 349.
More information about measles is available here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
38 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
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.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Don't know if you've been vaccinated against measles? Get a shot, doctors urge
Published Jun 06, 2025 • 3 minute read A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Photo by Geoff Robins / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Public health doctors say if people don't know if they've been vaccinated against measles, they should get a shot. 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. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. People born before 1970 are presumed to have been exposed to measles and likely to have some immunity, she says. But if people were born in 1970 or later and really have no idea if they were vaccinated, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases, Tam says. The exception is pregnant women, because the MMR vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy as it contains live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. Tam says it's vital for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated ahead of time because a measles infection can cause severe complications for both the mom and baby. 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. She says if someone is already pregnant and thinks they might have been exposed to measles, they should talk to their health-care provider. Dr. Sarah Wilson, a physician with Public Health Ontario, says a blood test, known as serology, can be used to see if a pregnant person has antibodies to measles. 'If there is uncertainty as to whether or not they've ever had an MMR vaccine, offering serology can be helpful to understand (if) this person (is) susceptible or not, so that if they are ever exposed to measles, they can very quickly be offered something called post-exposure prophylaxis to help reduce the risk of measles,' Wilson said. But for most people who aren't sure of their vaccination status, getting a measles shot is preferable to getting a blood test to check for measles immunity, both Wilson and Tam said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That's because the time lapse between getting the test and waiting for the results is a missed opportunity to get vaccinated sooner, they said. Tam said Canada has enough MMR vaccine to meet an increased demand for the shot. As summer approaches and people prepare to travel — both within Canada and to foreign countries — making sure you get a measles shot if you're unvaccinated or unsure should be part of the plan, Tam said. 'Get ready to get vaccinated as early as possible, but I think the important point is if you really left it to the last minute, still go and get it,' she said. 'Even the last-minute immunization will offer some protection during that trip, but also it can protect you into the future.' Tam said being vaccinated against measles also helps protect others who can't be immunized, including pregnant women, children under six months old and some people who are immunocompromised. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Babies usually don't get their first dose of MMR vaccine until they're 12 months old, but public health officials have lowered the age to six months in communities where there is a measles outbreak, including in southwestern Ontario. The devastating effects of the rise of measles in that hard-hit region became clear on Thursday, when the Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced a baby who was born prematurely and infected while in the womb had died. Dr. Kieran Moore noted that the infant also faced other medical complications unrelated to the virus. Tam and Wilson both expressed their condolences to the grieving family. 'That was very sad news,' said Tam. 'I think it's telling us that we've all got to be very vigilant about measles in our communities.' Read More For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Olympics Toronto & GTA Columnists NHL Editorial Cartoons
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Don't know if you've been vaccinated against measles? Get a shot, doctors urge
A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont. on Tuesday, March 4, CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins TORONTO — Public health doctors say if people don't know if they've been vaccinated against measles, they should get a shot. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. But she says if they really have no idea, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases. The exception is pregnant women, because the MMR vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy as it contains live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. Tam says it's vital for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated ahead of time because a measles infection can cause severe complications for both the mom and baby. She says if someone is already pregnant and thinks they might have been exposed to measles, they should talk to their health-care provider. Dr. Sarah Wilson, a physician with Public Health Ontario, says a blood test, known as serology, can be used to see if a pregnant person has antibodies to measles. 'If there is uncertainty as to whether or not they've ever had an MMR vaccine, offering serology can be helpful to understand (if) this person (is) susceptible or not, so that if they are ever exposed to measles, they can very quickly be offered something called post-exposure prophylaxis to help reduce the risk of measles,' Wilson said. But for most people who aren't sure of their vaccination status, getting a measles shot is preferable to getting a blood test to check for measles immunity, both Wilson and Tam said. That's because the time lapse between getting the test and waiting for the results is a missed opportunity to get vaccinated sooner, they said. Tam said Canada has enough MMR vaccine to meet an increased demand for the shot. As summer approaches and people prepare to travel — both within Canada and to foreign countries — making sure you get a measles shot if you're unvaccinated or unsure should be part of the plan, Tam said. 'Get ready to get vaccinated as early as possible, but I think the important point is if you really left it to the last minute, still go and get it,' she said. 'Even the last-minute immunization will offer some protection during that trip, but also it can protect you into the future.' Tam said being vaccinated against measles also helps protect others who can't be immunized, including pregnant women, children under six months old and some people who are immunocompromised. Babies usually don't get their first dose of MMR vaccine until they're 12 months old, but public health officials have lowered the age to six months in communities where there is a measles outbreak, including in southwestern Ontario. The devastating effects of the rise of measles in that hard-hit region became clear on Thursday, when the Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced a baby who was born prematurely and infected while in the womb had died. Dr. Kieran Moore noted that the infant also faced other medical complications unrelated to the virus. Tam and Wilson both expressed their condolences to the grieving family. 'That was very sad news,' said Tam. 'I think it's telling us that we've all got to be very vigilant about measles in our communities.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press
