Public Health Ontario reporting 120 more measles cases since March 14

Ontario is seeing another sharp increase in measles cases, with public health officials now reporting 470 cases across the province.

That’s an increase of 120 cases since March 14.

According to the latest Public Health Ontario report, almost 75 per cent of the cases are in infants, children and adolescents.

Previously, measles cases in Ontario were rare. According to public health officials, this was due to high vaccination rates nearly eradicating the virus.

Officials say vaccination is the best way to protect against the measles, and many of the cases seen in Ontario are being spread through unvaccinated populations.

Symptoms of the measles virus include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes and cough.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of measles is asked to stay home and call their healthcare provider or local public health unit right away.

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