Ontario sees worst measles outbreak in nearly 30 years: public health

Ontario is seeing the worst outbreak of measles in nearly 30 years, according to public health officials.

Grand Erie Public Health provided an update Thursday on the outbreak in Norfolk County and surrounding areas.

“New cases continue to be reported to Grand Erie Public Health, however, we recognize there are likely additional cases that are not reported,” Dr. Ninh Tran with Southwestern Public Health said in a virtual briefing.

Public Health Ontario reported 252 confirmed and 66 probable cases of measles in the province as of March 12.

Doctors say the massive surge of the measles virus is spreading across Ontario among unvaccinated people, particularly in rural regions such as Grand Erie.

“Cases continue to be predominately in individuals – mostly children – who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations,” Tran said.

READ MORE: Niagara public health confirms nine measles cases, all unvaccinated