Ontario reports 12 new measles cases, continuing downward trend

A Public Health Ontario report released Thursday suggests a continuing downward trend in new measles cases.

The health agency is reporting 12 new cases in the province, down from 33 new cases last week and 96 the week before that.

Two more people were infected with the highly contagious disease in a northern region that includes Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas.

That region had been showing the biggest increase in cases for a few weeks.

WATCH | Why it's hard to curb Ontario's measles outbreak:

Ontario currently has more measles cases than in all of the U.S. combined, and infections are climbing in Alberta and Manitoba. CBC’s Jennifer Yoon breaks down what’s behind the resurgence of a disease eliminated decades ago, and why those on the front line say it’s going to be really difficult to get this outbreak under control.

Four more people were infected in southwestern Ontario — the area that was hardest hit for months.

Ontario has had a total of 2,223 measles cases since an outbreak linked to travel in New Brunswick began last October.