Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon — Peel Region is seeing a dramatic surge in infectious diseases, with over 1,400 measles contacts reported this year and invasive strep infections more than doubling, according to a new Peel Public Health (PPH) report that warns of “significant strain” on the local healthcare system.
The mid-year report paints a concerning picture across Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, revealing a 36 per cent increase in invasive Group A Streptococcus — the bacteria behind strep throat — and a 104 per cent jump in latent tuberculosis infections (TB). Cases of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause severe respiratory and brain infections, have climbed 103 per cent compared to last year.
PPH says outbreaks in congregate living facilities, long-term care homes, and retirement residences remain “high,” with 305 outbreaks recorded in just the first half of 2025. Officials warn that the growing number of infections — combined with “insufficient” provincial funding — is stretching public health resources to the breaking point.
“A rising number of increasingly complex communicable disease cases are putting Peel residents at risk of severe illness or death,” the report states, adding that “intensive” follow-up efforts are consuming staff resources.
Peel has confirmed eight measles cases so far this year, resulting in more than 1,400 individual contacts requiring close monitoring to prevent wider transmission. Each case, the report explains, can lead to hundreds of follow-up calls, testing, and isolation orders.
PPH officials say the rapid population growth across Peel — combined with socioeconomic pressures and climate-related health risks — has made managing outbreaks more difficult. Warmer temperatures have expanded the presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus, placing the entire region in a “risk area” for tick-borne illnesses.
Meanwhile, cases of HIV and syphilis have also risen sharply, with sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) increasingly affecting vulnerable groups who require “intensive follow-up and cross-sector collaboration.”
To combat the trend, PPH has launched new initiatives, including home-based therapy for tuberculosis, and low-barrier, online testing options for sexually transmitted infections to ensure faster diagnosis and treatment.
“It’s about seeing the whole person and supporting them at every point in their recovery,” said Judy Buchan, Director of Communicable Disease for Peel Public Health. “Keeping infections under control requires all partners — community organizations, healthcare providers, and all levels of government — to work together on innovative solutions.”
Despite these efforts, public health officials stress that sustained provincial funding is essential to keep pace with Peel’s growing population and the increasing complexity of disease management.
The warning is clear: without greater investment and collaboration, Peel could face an even more severe wave of infectious disease challenges in the months ahead.