Ontario measles outbreak tops 1,000 cases

A stock photo shows measles symptoms, which typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, runny nose and cough, red, watery eyes and a distinctive rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Photo by Postmedia filesArticle content

More than 1,000 Ontario residents, mostly children, have now been infected with measles in what is the largest outbreak the province has experienced in decades.

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In its weekly update on measles, Public Health Ontario reported that the outbreak case count grew by 95 cases over the past week alone, bringing the total since it began to 1,020 cases.

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Although the numbers are continuing to rise, the rate of spread has slowed in recent weeks, suggesting that the outbreak is beginning to lose steam.

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The outbreak has been fueled by lack of immunization among the vast majority of those affected, Public Health Ontario says.

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About three quarters of cases have been in infants, children and adolescents, with the remainder in adults. More than 95 per cent of infected infants, children and adolescents were unimmunized.

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A total of 76 people have required hospitalization.

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The outbreak is linked with a Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick last fall.

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Cases have been reported in 15 health units across the province, but the highest concentration of cases has been in southwestern Ontario.

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Ottawa has not seen any cases. The health unit that borders Ottawa, South East Health, has had 79 cases, including 10 new confirmations in the past week. South East Health includes the cities of Kingston and Belleville as well as numerous smaller communities and rural areas.

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Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily to people who are susceptible. Vaccinations are safe and effective. Immunization against measles and other childhood diseases are required for children to attend school, although exemptions may be given.

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