Ontario's Ministry of Health confirmed the first death in the ongoing measles outbreak, which began in October. A newborn baby in southwestern Ontario, born prematurely, died after contracting measles from its unvaccinated mother. The infant also had other serious medical complications. This is only the second measles-related death in the province in decades, following a death in Hamilton in May 2024. The outbreak is traced to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick and is primarily spreading in unvaccinated Mennonite and Amish communities in southwestern Ontario, with Southwestern Public Health reporting the highest case counts. Health officials urge vaccination, especially for those who may become pregnant.
Measles-infected newborn baby dies in southwestern Ontario
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Ontario's Ministry of Health confirmed the first death in the ongoing measles outbreak, which began in October. A newborn baby in southwestern Ontario, born prematurely, died after contracting measles from its unvaccinated mother. The infant also had other serious medical complications. This is only the second measles-related death in the province in decades, following a death in Hamilton in May 2024. The outbreak is traced to a Mennonite wedding in New Brunswick and is primarily spreading in unvaccinated Mennonite and Amish communities in southwestern Ontario, with Southwestern Public Health reporting the highest case counts. Health officials urge vaccination, especially for those who may become pregnant.
Trending- 1 October: Current measles outbreak started
- 2 May 2024: Unvaccinated child died in Hamilton
- 3 Tuesday: Last case count (2009 probable/confirmed cases)
- 4 Thursday: Ontario's Ministry of Health announced the infant's death
- First death in current measles outbreak
- Second measles-related death in Ontario in decades
- Premature birth
- Serious medical complications
- Spread of highly contagious disease
- Increased risk for unvaccinated individuals and infants
- Strain on public health resources
What: A newborn baby died in southwestern Ontario from measles, the first recorded death in the current outbreak that started in October. The outbreak is linked to a New Brunswick wedding and is spreading in unvaccinated Mennonite and Amish communities.
When: Thursday (announcement); current outbreak started in October; last count on Tuesday; May 2024 (previous death in Hamilton)
Where: Southwestern Ontario, Oxford County, Elgin County, New Brunswick, Hamilton, Chatham-Kent, Huron-Perth, Grand Erie, Windsor-Essex County
Why: Infant contracted measles from its unvaccinated mother; low vaccination rates in affected communities (Mennonite and Amish); measles is highly contagious.
How: Infant contracted the virus before birth from its mother, who had not received the MMR vaccine. Health officials are urging vaccination and conducting outreach.