Eastern Ontario Health Unit confirms two cases of measles
Posted May 10, 2025 12:37:30 PM.
Last Updated May 10, 2025 12:37:36 PM.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit is investigating two cases of measles that have been confirmed in the region. These are the first cases since an outbreak began in the province last fall.
The presence of measles in the region marks spreading infections across the province as a result of declining vaccination rates.
Between Oct. 14, 2024 and May 6, 2025 Ontario reported 1,400 cases of measles with 197 new cases occurring since April 29.
At the time of the May 6 report, which does not include the cases confirmed in the EOHU, cases were present across 17 of the provinces 32 health units with a high concentration in southwestern Ontario.
Public health units are reminding Ontarians that the best prevention from measles is vaccination. The EOHU says one confirmed case is in an individual that is not vaccinated. The vaccination status of the other individual is unknown.
The public health unit also says the cases are related and involved travel outside of the region. The infected individuals are currently in isolation.
“I am taking this opportunity to remind parents to make sure their children’s routine immunizations are up to date, as immunizations are the best defence against measles. If you or your child are not up to date on your vaccinations, please contact your health care provider to receive missing immunizations,” Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU, said in a press release. “The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and greatly decreases the chances of catching measles and bringing it home with you.”
Vaccination rates took a hit during the pause of routing vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health is encouraging everyone to check their records where confirmation of the vaccination may be marked as “MMR”, “MMRV”, or “M”.
The EOHU says at this time, the risk to the general population remains low.
