Toronto

Ontario reports spike in measles cases linked to N.B. exposure

Public Health Ontario says all but 2 cases were in people who weren't immunized against the disease. The agency says between 2013 and 2023, the province didn't record more than 22 cases in any one year.

Public Health Ontario says all but 2 cases were in people who weren't immunized against the disease

3D illustration of a spiked virus.
Public Health Ontario says the cases began in October, and most affected teens and children. (Shutterstock)

Public health officials say a cluster of measles cases in Ontario linked to an exposure in New Brunswick has grown to 37.

Public Health Ontario says 11 of those cases are confirmed and 26 are probable.

In an epidemiological summary released last week, the public health agency says the cases began in October and so far, 28 of those sickened were children or teens.

The public health agency says all but two cases were in people who were unimmunized.

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Ontario has seen a sharp spike in the vaccine-preventable virus this year, with 63 cases — including eight that resulted in hospitalization and one death.

Public Health Ontario says there were 101 confirmed cases of measles in the province between 2013 and 2023, and never more than 22 cases in a year.

Last year, there were only seven cases of the virus, which is highly contagious.

Symptoms include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and cough.