Ontario has reported 89 new measles cases over the past week, marking a slight decline from the 100 cases reported the week before and 120 the week prior. This brings the province’s total to 661 cases since the outbreak began in the fall.
Dr. Sarah Wilson, a public health physician at Public Health Ontario, noted that case numbers appear to be stabilizing at around 100 per week. “But I also want to be really clear – that’s still 100 cases a week too many,” she emphasized.
Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 52 people admitted due to measles, including three in intensive care—up 10 from the previous week.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, has said the outbreak will likely extend into the summer. However, he views the slowing rate of increase as a hopeful sign. He also noted that most cases are concentrated in Mennonite, Amish, and other Anabaptist communities.
To help spread accurate health information within these communities, local public health units have partnered with De Brigj 105.9 FM, a Low German radio station based in Aylmer, Ontario. The station, operated by Mennonite Community Services, broadcasts public health messages translated into Low German, ensuring cultural sensitivity and accessibility.
“We try to bridge the two languages,” said Anna Bergen, executive director of the organization.
Despite the concentration of cases in certain communities, Dr. Ninh Tran of Southwestern Public Health cautioned against placing blame. “Measles is an equal opportunity illness. It does not care about your gender, address, religion, or race,” he said. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.”
According to the World Health Organization, the measles virus can stay active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a blotchy red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death.
Dr. Wilson addressed a common misconception, saying, “There is this myth among some individuals that measles is a harmless, trivial infection—but it’s not.” She added that most current cases in Southwestern Ontario involve unvaccinated children, a region accounting for nearly 45% of Ontario’s total cases.
Elsewhere in Canada, measles case counts remain relatively low: Quebec’s total holds steady at 40, Alberta has reached 24, and Saskatchewan has issued a public notice after identifying three confirmed cases.
In the Waterloo Region, two new locations have been identified as potential exposure sites:
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Woolwich Community Health Centre in Wellesley on March 25 between 5:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.
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John BM Martin Manufacturing in St. Clements on March 24 between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and March 26 between 6:40 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Public health officials continue to urge residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
