9 new measles cases in Waterloo Region since last week

Measles cases are continuing to spread in Waterloo Region, as the latest epidemiological report by Public Health Ontario says nine new cases have been reported.

Public Health Ontario is reporting 223 new measles cases since last week as the spread in the southwestern region grows. 

That brings the total number of people infected in the province to 1,243 since the outbreak began in October. 

Ontario’s health unit said in the report on Thursday 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 new 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. 

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health also issued a new advisory Thursday about a potential public measles exposure in Guelph.

The location is Guelph Medical Place Pharmacy at 83 Dawson Rd on April 21 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“If you were at this location, you may have been exposed to measles,” read a notice from WDG Public Health.

Anyone who visited the pharmacy in the affected timeframe is advised to monitor for symptoms until the end of the day on May 12.