Ontario has reported 84 new measles cases in the past two weeks, nearly doubling the total number of infections recorded in the province since the outbreak began in the fall. The latest cases bring the 2025 count to 119 confirmed infections, along with 23 probable cases—far surpassing the 101 total cases recorded in Ontario over the entire decade from 2013 to 2023.
The outbreak, which originated in October, has now led to 177 infections across Ontario and has also spread to New Brunswick and Manitoba. Quebec is facing a separate outbreak with 27 reported cases since December.
Among those affected, 18 children have been hospitalized, including one who required intensive care. The majority of cases involve unvaccinated children and teenagers. One recently reported case involved an unvaccinated child who contracted measles outside of Canada and required hospitalization.
Health officials warn that measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. The infection typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, before progressing to a distinct red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
The Public Health Agency of Canada attributes the rising spread of measles to a combination of reduced vaccination rates, increasing international travel, and a global surge in cases. Health experts continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection and curb the outbreak.
Meanwhile, measles is also spreading in the United States, where officials reported the country’s first measles-related death in a decade—a Texas child who was unvaccinated.
With infections on the rise, health authorities are urging the public to ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent further spread of the disease.