Fact Check: "Thousands infected with measles in Ontario since October!"
What We Know
The claim that "thousands infected with measles in Ontario since October" refers to a significant outbreak of measles that began in October 2024. According to the Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report, as of April 12, 2025, Ontario has reported a total of 816 measles cases associated with this outbreak, with 678 confirmed and 138 probable cases. This outbreak is part of a larger multijurisdictional outbreak that has affected several provinces in Canada since October 2024, with a total of 1,020 cases reported across Ontario as of April 2025 (CBC).
The outbreak was initiated by exposure to a travel-related case in New Brunswick, which led to the first cases in Ontario around the week of October 28, 2024 (Public Health Ontario). The situation has been serious enough that public health officials have warned about the need for a more visible and effective public health response (GlobeNewswire).
Analysis
The claim that "thousands" have been infected is somewhat misleading. While it is true that the total number of cases reported in Ontario since the outbreak began is substantial, the figure of 816 cases is not technically in the "thousands" range. However, the cumulative total of 1,020 cases reported by various sources, including the CBC and Inside Halton, does suggest a significant public health concern.
The sources cited, including government health reports and reputable news outlets, provide reliable data on the outbreak. The Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report is a credible source as it is published by the Canadian government, ensuring that the information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the interpretation of "thousands" could be seen as an exaggeration since the confirmed and probable cases do not exceed 1,000 in Ontario alone.
Furthermore, the outbreak's impact has been felt across multiple jurisdictions, indicating a broader public health issue rather than isolated incidents. This context is crucial for understanding the severity of the situation.
Conclusion
The claim that "thousands infected with measles in Ontario since October" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the seriousness of the measles outbreak and the significant number of cases reported, the specific wording of "thousands" may mislead as the total confirmed and probable cases in Ontario is 816, not exceeding 1,000. Therefore, while the outbreak is indeed serious and widespread, the phrasing could be considered an exaggeration.
Sources
- Business Communications Manager (BCM) 50/450 Solutions eBOOK
- Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report — Canada.ca
- Bachir Halimi
- PDF Measles in Ontario - Public Health Ontario
- Ontario's 2025 measles count hits 440 cases - insidehalton.com
- Ontario reports 95 new measles cases, sending total above ... - CBC.ca
- Ontario's Measles Outbreak Requires Much More Visible - GlobeNewswire
- Ontario seeing massive spike in measles cases, officials warn of outbreak - Global News
