Today (March 28), Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East and Ontario Liberal Critic for Public Health, released a scathing statement about the “Premier’s failure to respond to the measles outbreak”, saying that Ontario’s reported cases of measles far exceed other provinces.
“In the last six months, Ontario has had 5.6 times more measles cases than it did from 2013 to 2023, and Doug Ford has said zilch. Hundreds of kids are suffering, their lives at risk. With measles being one of the most infectious diseases in the world, hundreds can quickly turn to thousands. If that happens, we must remember that Doug Ford was silent when he could have acted.”
Ontario’s measles outbreak has slowed over the past week, with 102 new infections compared to 120 the week before. The vast majority of cases have been unvaccinated children.
A memo from Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore issued earlier this month confirmed that the current outbreak was from a “large gathering with guests from Mennonite communities in New Brunswick last fall.” The North Bay-Parry Sound Health Unit is monitoring 11 cases of measles, all originating from the original case reported on March 7th.
The unit’s website states that, “There is no evidence of the virus spreading throughout the region, and no locations have been identified where the public could have been exposed. The risk to the public remains low, and we are working together with the infected individuals and their close contacts to prevent the risk of further local spread. At this time, we are recommending you check your vaccination status and contact us or your healthcare provider if you need to get caught up on your MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.”
Earlier this month, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit identified a case of measles in the area and advised residents who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms:
Exposure Locations, Dates and Times:
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 10:55 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Huronia Urgent Care Clinic (102-480 Huronia Road, Barrie)
Georgian Radiology at Huronia Urgent Care Clinic (102-480 Huronia Road, Barrie)
Eagle Ridge Pharmacy (480 Huronia Road, Barrie)
On March 27th, Public Health Ontario released a report that describes the epidemiology of measles in Ontario between January 1, 2013 and March 26, 2025, with a focus on the current multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak. The report attributes the rise in measles cases to “…continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized.”
On March 14th, Dr. Kieran Moore issued a statement saying, “It is critical we work together to mitigate further spread of this vaccine-preventable disease,” and “Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of measles and protect yourself and your loved ones.”
The Ontario Liberal Party is calling on Premier Ford and the Chief Medical Officer of Health to release a plan for fighting measles that includes public updates, restoration of public health funding that was “recklessly cut”, a campaign to promote awareness about measles and measles prevention, and resources for public health units to accelerate catch-up vaccinations.
“The government of the day should not have to be told to take action,” Dr. Shamji says. “It should be leaping into action. Anything less will put thousands of lives at risk.”
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has released a short video with more information about measles. It is attached to this article.
