Fact Check: "96 new measles cases reported in Ontario last week alone."
What We Know
The claim states that there were "96 new measles cases reported in Ontario last week alone." According to Public Health Ontario, this figure is accurate, as they reported 96 new measles cases in the province over the past week, contributing to a total of 2,179 cases since the outbreak began in October 2024. This outbreak has seen a significant increase in cases, with the previous week reporting only 28 new cases.
However, it is essential to note that this data is specific to a particular region within Ontario, and the overall context of measles cases in Canada and the United States is broader. For instance, as of June 19, 2025, Canada had reported a total of 1,069 confirmed and probable cases of measles across several provinces, including Ontario, but this figure encompasses a longer time frame than just one week (WHO).
Analysis
While the claim about the 96 new cases is factually correct according to the reports from Public Health Ontario, it lacks context regarding the overall situation of measles in Ontario and Canada. The increase in cases is part of a larger outbreak that has been ongoing since October 2024, and the numbers reflect a significant rise in infections in a short period.
The sources reporting this information, such as Public Health Ontario and Global News, are credible and provide real-time updates on public health issues. However, the sensational nature of the claim may lead to misunderstandings about the overall health landscape. For instance, the CDC reported that as of June 19, 2025, there were 1,214 confirmed measles cases across the United States, indicating that while Ontario is experiencing a spike, it is part of a larger trend of increasing measles cases in North America.
Moreover, the WHO reported a significant increase in measles cases in the Americas, with a total of 2,318 cases confirmed from January to April 2025, indicating that the situation is not isolated to Ontario (WHO). Thus, while the specific claim about the 96 new cases is true, it does not provide a complete picture of the measles outbreak's severity and geographic scope.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "96 new measles cases reported in Ontario last week alone" is technically true; however, it is misleading without proper context. The figure represents a spike in a larger ongoing outbreak that has been developing since October 2024. It is crucial to understand that this number is part of a broader trend of increasing measles cases in Ontario and across North America, rather than an isolated incident.
Sources
- Measles Cases and Outbreaks
- Measles – Region of the Americas
- New measles cases increase for third week in northern Ontario public health unit
- New measles cases increase for third week in northern Ontario public health unit – CTV
- Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report — Canada.ca
- Measles in Ontario: Enhanced Epidemiological Summaries
- New measles cases increase for third week in northern ...
