Ontario Measles Outbreak Triggers New York Travel Advisory
Ontario’s growing measles outbreak is raising cross-border alarm, with New York State issuing a travel advisory for residents heading to Canada. Public health officials are warning travellers to get vaccinated before they visit Ontario, where most of Canada’s measles cases occur.
“Measles is only a car ride away,” reads the April 2 advisory from the New York State Department of Health, emphasizing the ease with which the highly contagious virus can spread across borders.
Over 650 Measles Cases in Ontario So Far in 2025
As of April 2, Public Health Ontario confirmed 560 cases and identified another 95 cases as probable.
This brings the total to 655, with most cases concentrated in southwestern Ontario. Experts attribute the rise to unvaccinated populations, with the 2024 outbreak in New Brunswick cited as a key origin point for the virus’s spread across provinces.
New York’s Public Warning to Travellers
The New York advisory urges residents to get both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before traveling. The warning comes just ahead of spring and summer travel season, raising concerns about unprotected travelers spreading measles upon return.
Health officials stress that 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected. The virus, which can linger in the air for up to two hours, spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing in shared spaces.
Measles Resurgence: A North American and Global Trend
Ontario isn’t alone. The U.S. has already surpassed its total number of measles cases from 2024, with 607 confirmed cases by early April. Most are in New Mexico and Texas, primarily affecting unvaccinated children.
Globally, the New York advisory also names Yemen, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Romania, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Vietnam as countries with high case counts.
Canadian Officials Echo Warnings: Get Vaccinated
Ontario’s Ministry of Health reiterated the importance of immunization, noting that over 96% of cases are in unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, continues to urge residents to stay up to date on vaccinations, especially before international travel.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of measles and protect yourself and your loved ones,” the ministry said in a statement.
Measles Symptoms and Risks
Initial symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- White spots in the mouth
- A blotchy rash, usually beginning on the face and spreading to the body
While most people recover in 2–3 weeks, complications can include pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, particularly among unvaccinated populations.
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