Public Health Ontario is reporting 223 new measles cases since last week as the spread in its southwestern region grows.
That brings the total number of people infected in the province to 1,243 since an outbreak began in October.
The agency said in a report today that 84 people have been hospitalized – including 63 children – since the outbreak began. Eight patients have been admitted to intensive care.
Public Health Ontario’s report notes a rise in cases in Southwestern Public Health with 57 news infections, compared to 15 last week. Neighbouring Grand Erie Public Health is also seeing an uptick with 46 cases compared to two last week.
Southwestern Public Health Unit’s Dr. Ninh Tran said this “sharp rise” is due to exposures in large unvaccinated households between siblings and other family members, and places where unimmunized people gather.
He said the increase in cases is not tied to any “particular singular” event.
