Toronto – Arab Canada News

The province of Ontario recorded a worrying surge in the number of measles cases, as health authorities announced that the number of confirmed infections has risen to 572 cases, an increase of more than 100 cases in just one week, marking the highest weekly rate recorded this year.

According to data from the Ontario Ministry of Health, the majority of cases are concentrated in urban areas with high population density, including Toronto, Peel, and York Region, with sporadic cases recorded in other cities and towns across the province.

Health Warnings and Calls for Vaccination

Health authorities urged citizens, especially those who are unvaccinated, to quickly receive the necessary vaccinations, stressing that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Christine Elliott, former regional health officer, said:

“The increase in the number of cases indicates gaps in vaccination coverage. We urge all residents of Ontario to review their vaccination records and to go immediately to get vaccinated if they are not immunized.”

Sources of Infection and Transmission Chains

Most cases are linked to international travel to areas experiencing active outbreaks of the virus, or to contact with infected individuals who have not yet shown symptoms. Health authorities have begun intensifying tracing and testing campaigns in schools and community centers, especially in neighborhoods with low vaccination rates.

Growing Concern Over Wider Spread

Health experts believe that the continuation of this upward trend could pose a significant challenge for the healthcare sector in Ontario, especially if strict preventive measures are not taken in the coming weeks, at a time when some families are still hesitant to vaccinate due to misleading information circulating online.