Ontario measles outbreak slowing in most regions
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The measles outbreak that has infected record numbers of Ontario residents this year appears to be losing steam in most parts of the province, according to the latest numbers from Public Health Ontario.
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But measles cases are continuing to climb in parts of northern Ontario.
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In the past week there were 33 new cases of measles recorded in the province, bringing the total in an historically large outbreak that began late last fall to 2,212.
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Measles cases appear to have stabilized in parts of the province that have been the epicentre of the outbreak — mainly in southwestern Ontario. There were just a handful of new cases in the areas that have seen the highest number of cases, mainly among unvaccinated infants, children and youth.
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But in the Algoma region, which includes Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, Elliot Lake and Wawa, there were 22 new cases in the past week. There were no new cases in Eastern Ontario.
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The large outbreak has sent 149 people to hospital, 11 to intensive care and played a role in the death of a premature infant who was infected in utero.
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Measles is one of the most contagious illness known and can lead to serious complications or death. The measles vaccine — which is part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) shot – is part of routine childhood immunizations required for entry to school in Ontario, unless students have an exemption for medical or philosophical reasons.
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a day ago
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Ottawa Citizen
a day ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Ontario measles outbreak slowing in most regions
Article content The measles outbreak that has infected record numbers of Ontario residents this year appears to be losing steam in most parts of the province, according to the latest numbers from Public Health Ontario. Article content But measles cases are continuing to climb in parts of northern Ontario. Article content Article content In the past week there were 33 new cases of measles recorded in the province, bringing the total in an historically large outbreak that began late last fall to 2,212. Article content Article content Measles cases appear to have stabilized in parts of the province that have been the epicentre of the outbreak — mainly in southwestern Ontario. There were just a handful of new cases in the areas that have seen the highest number of cases, mainly among unvaccinated infants, children and youth. Article content Article content But in the Algoma region, which includes Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, Elliot Lake and Wawa, there were 22 new cases in the past week. There were no new cases in Eastern Ontario. Article content The large outbreak has sent 149 people to hospital, 11 to intensive care and played a role in the death of a premature infant who was infected in utero. Article content Article content Measles is one of the most contagious illness known and can lead to serious complications or death. The measles vaccine — which is part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) shot – is part of routine childhood immunizations required for entry to school in Ontario, unless students have an exemption for medical or philosophical reasons. Article content
