‘Measles is only a car ride away!’ New York sounds alarm over Canada cases

As measles cases continue to rise in Canada, particularly in Ontario, one U.S. state is taking notice of the surge and warning its residents about travel.

As measles cases continue to rise in Canada, particularly in Ontario, one U.S. state is taking notice of the surge and warning its residents about travel.

Last week, the New York State Department of Health issued a travel advisory ahead of the state’s spring break, stating that measles is highly contagious and “can easily cross borders.”

The department warned that outbreaks are currently happening in parts of the United States, Canada — especially Ontario — and in other areas around the world.

“Measles is only a car ride away! Measles is a highly contagious virus. Around 90% of people who are exposed to a person with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated,” the health department said in a statement on April 2.

“With spring and summer travel season approaching, anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.”

Measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, is surging across Canada, alarming health officials as new cases pop up throughout the country, with cases piling up in Ontario.

Canada’s measles outbreak began in October after a travel-related case in New Brunswick sparked outbreaks there and in Ontario.

New Brunswick declared its outbreak over in January, but the virus is still spreading in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada.