78 confirmed, 22 probable cases of measles in Waterloo Region

Cases of measles has risen in Waterloo Region again in the past week, according to the latest data from the province.

As of May 21 the Region of Waterloo Public Health unit is reporting 19 new cases in the last week, bringing the total number of cases to 78.

In addition, the health unit is also reporting 22 probable cases increasing the total case count to 100.

Nearby Guelph, did not report any increase in cases over the last week as of May 20. The area is at risk of high transmission, according to officials.

Public Health Ontario says 173 more people have been infected with measles in the province over the past week.

That brings the number of measles cases to 1,795 since Ontario’s outbreak began last October.

The health agency’s weekly measles report, released Thursday, says the virus continues to spread primarily among people who have not been immunized. The majority of people infected with measles throughout the outbreak are infants, children and adolescents.

The report says a total of 129 people have required hospitalization, with 10 people admitted to the intensive care unit.

The Southwestern Public Health unit, which includes Oxford County, Elgin County and St. Thomas, continues to be hardest hit, with 98 of the new cases.

Measles has emerged in several parts of Canada, including Alberta, which has had more than 500 cases since March.