A premature infant who contracted measles before birth has died in southwestern Ontario, the province’s chief medical officer of health says,
According to Dr. Kieran Moore, the infant’s mother was not vaccinated against measles.
In a statement Thursday, he said while measles may have contributed to both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.
He offered condolences to the family and thanked the support of health-care providers involved.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “I also want to thank the dedicated health-care professionals who cared for both the mother and infant with compassion and expertise.”
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Dr. Ninh Tran, medical officer of health at Southwestern Public Health, also released a statement on the infant’s death.
“This is devastating news for the community, and we offer our heartfelt thoughts to the family,” Tran said. “We will not be sharing additional details at this time to respect the family’s privacy.”
Tran added that the tragedy underscores the serious risk measles poses to pregnant individuals, saying the virus “can cause low birth weight for the baby, preterm birth, and miscarriage.”
The infant’s death comes as Ontario continues to battle a measles outbreak that has sickened more than 2,000 people across the province since October 2024.
As of June 3, Ontario has reported 1,729 confirmed and 280 probable cases, including 140 hospitalizations. The majority of those infected were unvaccinated or had unknown immunization status.
Health officials say the virus is particularly dangerous to infants and those who have not been vaccinated. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and premature birth, and, in rare cases, death.
Moore is urging Ontarians, especially those planning to become pregnant, to make sure they are fully immunized.
“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,” he said.
Common symptoms include high fever, rash, Koplik spots, coughing and a runny nose.
Health officials are urging anyone who is unsure of their measles vaccination status or child’s vaccination status, to please contact a health-care provider or local public health unit.
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