It’s 2025, and Canada is seeing an explosion of measles cases, primarily in Ontario. Not because of some mysterious new strain or an unavoidable health crisis, but because of something completely preventable: a decline in vaccinations.
Public Health Ontario has confirmed 252 cases and 66 probable cases this year alone, a staggering increase from the mere 12 cases reported in 2023. Even worse, most of these infections are spreading within Ontario, meaning it’s not just a matter of travelers bringing the virus home—it’s thriving right here in our own communities.
Why? Because vaccination rates have fallen. Over 96% of Ontario’s measles cases are among those who are either unimmunized or whose immunization status is unknown. This is the consequence of years of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and complacency. Measles isn’t some distant, historical threat; it’s back, and it’s spreading like wildfire.
The Reality of Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humanity—far more contagious than COVID-19. If an infected person leaves a room, the virus can linger in the air for hours, waiting for its next victim. It disproportionately affects children, and in this outbreak, over 90% of infected children and adolescents were unimmunized. Adults aren’t immune to the crisis either, with 54% of adult cases involving unvaccinated individuals.
The numbers don’t lie. Three children have already required hospitalization. Seven pregnant women were infected, five of whom were unimmunized. And we know that measles in pregnancy can lead to devastating outcomes, including premature birth and miscarriage.
A Self-Inflicted Crisis
We don’t need to be in this situation. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been around for over 50 years and is one of the safest and most effective vaccines ever developed. It virtually eradicated measles in Canada for years—until now.
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, vaccine hesitancy continues to grow, fueled by misinformation on social media and a distrust of public health institutions. The result? A disease we once had under control is making a fierce comeback, endangering vulnerable populations, straining healthcare systems, and forcing public health officials to play catch-up in a race they should never have had to run.
The Way Forward
If we want to stop this outbreak—and prevent future ones—we need to get serious about vaccinations. That means:
- Ensuring routine childhood immunizations are up to date.
- Making it easier for adults to verify their vaccination records and receive booster shots if needed.
- Combatting misinformation with facts and clear public health messaging.
- Strengthening vaccination policies, including school-entry immunization requirements.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, put it plainly: “It’s critical Ontarians work together to curb the spread of this vaccine-preventable disease.” It shouldn’t take an outbreak for people to realize that vaccines work.
This is a wake-up call. If we don’t take action now, the measles resurgence won’t be a temporary crisis—it will be the new normal. And that is a future we simply cannot afford.
