Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health has announced the death of a baby in southwestern Ontario, partly because of measles.
Dr. Kieran Moore announced on Thursday that the infant was born already infected with the virus, as their mother was unvaccinated and infected.
"Measles poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals and to infants in the early stages of life in particular," Dr. Moore said in a statement. "Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk, and I urge everyone, but especially those who may become pregnant, to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby."
Dr. Moore added that measles may have only been a contributing factor in the child's death. The baby was born prematurely, with other unrelated medical complications.
No further personal or medical details will be released out of respect for the family.
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has been used in Canada since 1975, with the two-dose version implemented in 1996.
Moore noted that the vaccine is highly effective and that two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection.
As of June 3, Ontario has reported 2,009 cases of measles since October 28, 2024. That number includes 1729 confirmed and 280 probable cases, with 140 hospitalizations.
Chatham-Kent Public Health has confirmed 175 cases in the region since the outbreak began.
Eight more cases were reported between May 27 and June 3.