Huron Perth Public Health released its 2025 annual report on June 2, 2026, giving residents across Huron and Perth counties a detailed look at how their health unit tackled Ontario’s largest measles outbreak in 30 years while delivering everyday wellness services. The report is available on the health unit’s website and coincides with the five-year anniversary of HPPH, which formed when the Perth District Health Unit and Huron County Health Unit merged on January 1, 2020.
The 2025 year tested local public health resources like never before. After the first local measles case appeared on February 28, HPPH’s team completed over 420 measles investigations. By the time Ontario declared the outbreak over on October 6, 2025, the region had recorded 297 probable or confirmed cases, 34 hospital stays outside intensive care, and one ICU admission. The outbreak contributed to Canada losing its measles elimination status on November 10, 2025.
To slow the spread, HPPH distributed 10,532 doses of measles-containing vaccine to local doctors and nurse practitioners, more than double the 4,800 doses sent in 2024. The health unit also gave 1,251 shots directly at its own clinics. Residents turned to the HPPH website for guidance, with the measles information page becoming the second most popular topic among 157,379 total visits in 2025.
Beyond the measles response, the 2025 annual report shows how the health unit managed its $17,683,856 budget. Public health inspectors completed 2,819 inspections at restaurants, pools, and other public places, including 37 complaint-driven visits. In long-term care and retirement homes, staff managed 87 outbreaks of illnesses like Influenza A, COVID-19, and gastroenteritis.
The report also highlights services that reached vulnerable neighbours. Sexual health clinics provided 3,353 appointments, while the Mother and Young Child Clinic recorded 1,620 visits, with one quarter needing Low German interpretation. The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program enrolled 34 more older adults and completed 915 dental appointments. These numbers show how public health continues to serve as a safety net for those who face barriers to other healthcare options.
