Commonwealth_ Ontario is experiencing a significant rise in measles infections, with 155 new cases reported over the past week, pushing the total number of infections to 816 since the outbreak began in the fall. This recent surge follows a period of stabilization, during which weekly case counts remained around 100, offering some hope to public health experts. However, the latest increase indicates that the outbreak is far from being under control.
Dr. Sarah Wilson, a public health physician with Public Health Ontario, described the growing case count as unprecedented in the province’s recent history. She emphasized the scale of the outbreak, noting that it is spreading within communities with lower vaccination rates. Wilson explained that the virus will take time to be controlled, as it continues circulating in these unvaccinated pockets across Ontario.
The outbreak has already led to 61 hospitalizations, an increase of 11 from the previous week, including three individuals in intensive care. Most cases remain concentrated in Ontario’s southwestern public health unit; two more public health units, Hamilton and Northeastern Ontario, which include communities like Timmins and Englehart, have also reported cases. Dr. Ninh Tran, a medical officer in Southwestern Ontario, noted a 130% increase in measles vaccinations at local clinics between January and April compared to the previous year, with approximately 940 additional doses administered. While this is a positive development, Tran emphasized the need for better infrastructure to support and monitor vaccination efforts.
A key issue raised by Tran and other health experts is the outdated method of tracking vaccination records in Ontario. The province still relies on paper-based immunization cards, which makes it difficult to confirm vaccination status quickly and efficiently. In response to the growing measles outbreak, schools across Ontario have started issuing suspension notices to students who appear unvaccinated. However, many of these children have already received their vaccines but lack the proper documentation. Tran called for the establishment of a centralized electronic vaccine registry, which he believes is essential for tracking vaccination coverage and improving recordkeeping. He explained that individuals often struggle to locate their vaccination records, and the process of contacting health providers to obtain proof is time-consuming.
Dr. Milena Forte, a family physician in Toronto, echoed these concerns, noting that many of her patients have received suspension notices despite being vaccinated. She explained that while health providers are capable of reaching out to families who are genuinely unvaccinated, the lack of a digital system to track immunizations creates unnecessary barriers.
Forte emphasized the importance of building trust with hesitant parents, explaining that her role is to provide credible information rather than pressuring families into vaccination. She stressed that by sharing information and addressing concerns, health providers can help parents make informed decisions about their children’s health. Since the pandemic, a lack of transparency by authorities across the world to address genuine concerns about more recent vaccines has led to much distrust over vaccines in general.
The measles outbreak is not confined to Ontario. Alberta has seen its case count nearly double over the past week, reaching 46, while Saskatchewan has reported six infections. Quebec’s case count has remained steady at 40 for the past four weeks. Manitoba has reported 10 cases since February, including one potential exposure on a flight from Toronto to Winnipeg. Measles typically begins with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death
