A case of measles in an infant in Greater Sudbury, too young to be vaccinated, has become a growing concern. After an intensive investigation for any further cases of the virus, officials have identified 39 additional measles infections that had not been previously reported in the region, making it the region’s largest outbreak since 2014.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the region’s acting medical officer of health, said in a press briefing Friday that he was “disappointed and disappointed,” adding that the size of the outbreak was not surprising but “disappointing.”
“I wouldn’t say I was surprised. I certainly wasn’t happy to see it get this large,” Dr. Hirji said. Measles spreads very quickly — and sadly, that’s what happened here.”
It all started earlier this week when the Sudbury and Districts Department of Public Health announced it was investigating the region’s first case of measles in more than 10 years — an infant who contracted the highly contagious virus. The child, who was too young to receive the measles vaccine, was at the centre of what Dr. Hirji calls a “medical detective story.”
“It’s really been a lot of detective work. We started by talking to the family and everyone who was around the child,” Hirji said. After that, we started looking for other people who had symptoms that we thought might be measles, and we traced the chain of transmission.”
That trail of investigation, in turn, led to a man who visited Sudbury from another part of Ontario seven weeks ago, health officials said. The measles-infected visitor was found to be the index case of the local outbreak.
Why 39 cases went unreported
What was most striking about the investigation was how 39 measles cases went unreported and unreported—even though health care providers are legally required to do so as soon as they become aware of a reported measles case.
Most people felt fine. Dr. Hirji said most people were asymptomatic or mildly ill and did not seek medical attention. Some people stayed home and recovered without knowing they had measles.
“These cases went unreported because, fortunately, most people only had mild symptoms,” he added. “They never had any symptoms.” There wasn’t going to be a doctor’s checkup—so nobody diagnosed them, and it was never on our radar.”
But, he cautioned, even mild cases can quickly lead to community spread, especially when people don’t realize they’re spreading the virus.
The vaccination question:
Measles was declared eliminated in Canada decades ago as a result of widespread vaccination. So why have there been such widespread outbreaks?
Dr. Hirji identifies two common problems: avoidance and misinformation.
“Some people just haven’t made time for it,” he said. “There’s work, family and everything else going on, so they understand it matters—but it hasn’t been their top priority.”
“Others have looked on social media and seen things about vaccines that make them skeptical. It’s misinformation, and it’s dangerous.”
He encouraged anyone with doubts to talk to their family doctor, and not rely on social media posts.
“I really think when people have a proper conversation with their doctor, they will see that these vaccines are safe and necessary.” Continuing risks
In addition to the 39 confirmed cases of measles, new concerns have emerged about potential exposures — particularly among people who were traveling on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry on July 21.
People who are not vaccinated and who are vulnerable — children under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems — can benefit from preventive medications if they act immediately.
“They are both within the six-day time frame,” Dr. Hirji said. “Please call us immediately so we can administer immunoglobulin treatment and hopefully prevent the disease.”
The health unit is still monitoring any additional potential exposures, and officials say the general public should make sure they get their vaccinations on time. A call to action
Measles is back in Sudbury, while health officials are urging people to act quickly and responsibly.
“This outbreak is a reminder that measles is not gone,” said Dr. Hirji. “It’s still here, and if we let our guard down, it will spread.”
Residents are urged to make sure they have received the two-dose measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — a critical step not just for personal safety, but to protect the immunity of the entire community.
