Ontario baby dies after being born prematurely with measles, other complications

Prisha Dev
Jun 9
1 min read

By Prisha Dev Global News

Posted June 5, 2025 1:17 pm Updated June 6, 2025 7:54 am

An infant has died in Southwestern Ontario after becoming infected with measles according to the province's chief medical officer of health. Health reporter Katherine Ward has the latest.

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.”

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.”