New measles cases are on the decline in most parts of Ontario, but Algoma District is experiencing an increase in cases. The province reported 74 new measles cases in the last week, with 28 of those cases in the Algoma Public Health region.

Algoma District recorded the highest number of cases among all public health units in the province, bringing the local cumulative total to 81. In comparison, Toronto Public Health reported only one new case, while nine other regions reported zero new infections. Southwestern Ontario, a provincial hot spot, saw an additional 14 cases, with Southwestern Public Health reporting a total of 739 cases.

According to the latest data from June 3 to June 10, Algoma now has a measles rate of 68.5 per 100,000 people, making it the sixth-highest rate among all public health units in Ontario.

The report highlighted that seven infants have been born with congenital measles, including a premature baby in southwestern Ontario who unfortunately passed away. Ontario's chief medical officer of health confirmed the death last week, noting that the child was infected in the womb by an unvaccinated mother.

Throughout the outbreak, 40 pregnant individuals have been infected with measles, most of whom were not fully immunized. There have been 144 hospitalizations, including 104 infants, children, and teenagers, with nine admissions to intensive care since the outbreak began last fall. Hospital stays ranged from one to 54 days, with a median length of three days and two days for those in intensive care.

Several public health units, such as those in Hamilton, North Bay, Niagara, York Region, and eastern Ontario, reported no new cases. Alberta has reported almost 840 infections as of Wednesday, making it the second province with the highest number of measles cases after Ontario.

Sources: SooToday.com