Chief Medical Officer Sounds Alarm on Measles Epidemic in Ontario and Quebec

January 30, 2025 TruthUSA

Concerned about the increasing number of measles outbreaks in Canada, the country’s top health official has highlighted a rise in cases in Ontario and Quebec.

While initial outbreaks were linked to international travel, recent infections have all occurred due to exposure within Canada, according to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam’s statement on Jan. 29. (source)

Tam emphasized the rapid spread of measles, stating that 90% of unvaccinated individuals or those without prior measles exposure can become infected if in close proximity to an infected person.

The majority of recent cases in Canada have involved unvaccinated individuals, including a significant number of infants under one year old.

While Health Canada initially documented eight measles cases as of Jan. 11, updated figures from local public health units show significantly higher case counts.

Public Health Ontario reported 38 measles cases, including 12 confirmed and 26 probable cases linked to travel exposure from New Brunswick as of Jan. 15.

Out of the reported cases, 28 involved children and adolescents, while 10 were linked to adults.

Except for two cases, all individuals were unvaccinated. One case reported receiving a single dose of the measles vaccine, while another reported receiving two doses. One child required hospitalization.

The cases occurred in the Southwestern Public Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit, and Grand Erie Public Health areas of the province.

Another measles case was reported by Grand Erie Public Health, with the affected child currently recovering at home.

As of Jan. 28, Quebec health officials reported 16 measles cases, with most cases in the Laurentides region and fewer cases in Montreal and Laval. (source)

Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness that can lead to severe health complications, including respiratory failure, brain inflammation, and death. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading to the body, arms, and legs. (source)

Individuals experiencing measles symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately and self-isolate at home to prevent transmission. Tam advised contacting healthcare facilities in advance to inform them of the suspected measles case.

Research published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health highlighted a decline in measles vaccination rates among children aged two to seven before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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