Ontario Reports 223 New Measles Cases in One Week: Canada’s Worst Outbreak in Over 30 Years

Canada Faces Its Worst Measles Outbreak Since the 1990s

As reported by EFE.

Here are the details.

The measles outbreak affecting Canada’s province of Ontario has worsened dramatically this week, with 223 new cases recorded in just seven days, local health authorities announced Thursday.

This marks the largest weekly increase since the outbreak began in October 2024.

Ontario’s Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, confirmed that as of April 29, a total of 1,242 cases have been documented in the province, which is the most populous in Canada.

In addition, 170 cases have been reported in Alberta and 36 in Quebec, bringing the national total to 1,479 active cases—Canada’s most severe outbreak in over 30 years.

Canada Faces Its Worst Measles Outbreak Since the 1990s

Health alert in Canada: Authorities report a concerning rise in measles cases https://t.co/kfsrhwms5t

– La Patilla (@la_patilla) May 1, 2025

For the first time since the health emergency began in Canada, measles cases have been reported in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

These include an adult and a child who are believed to have contracted the disease during international travel.

Despite efforts by the provincial government, which recently launched a campaign to encourage childhood measles vaccination, case numbers continue to rise.

The situation has triggered public health alerts nationwide.

Authorities Urge the Public to Get Vaccinated

Measles spreads across North America with outbreaks in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. https://t.co/zcwueyobp4

— AP Noticias (@AP_Noticias) May 1, 2025

By comparison, the United States has reported around 900 cases during the same period, highlighting the scale of Canada’s crisis.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious consequences, particularly in unvaccinated children.

Health authorities are urging the public to review their immunization records and visit health centers to receive the appropriate vaccine.

ALSO OF INTEREST: Trump Influences Canada’s Immigration Discourse