Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced on Monday that Canada has lost its measles elimination status. This decision follows Canada's failure to contain a measles outbreak for 12 consecutive months. Consequently, the Americas region, which had been declared measles-free since 2016, has also lost its overall elimination status, despite other individual countries retaining theirs.
Outbreak Details and Response
Canada's current outbreak began in October of the previous year. Health officials attribute the spread primarily to communities with lower vaccination rates. The country has reported over 5,000 measles cases in 2025, with a majority occurring in Ontario and Alberta. This figure is three times higher than the 1,681 cases reported in the United States, despite Canada's smaller population.
In response, PAHO officials have indicated that a 95% population immunization rate is necessary to halt the virus's transmission in Canada. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO's director, stated that this loss is a setback but remains reversible. The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed its collaboration with PAHO and regional authorities to enhance vaccine coverage and improve data sharing. Canada can regain its measles elimination status by curbing the current outbreak's specific strain for a minimum of 12 months.
Factors Affecting Vaccination Rates
Provincial data indicates that vaccination rates in Alberta, a significantly affected province, are below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. Specifically, the South Zone, including Calgary, reported that only 68% of children under two years old were immunized against measles as of 2024.
Immunologist Dawn Bowdish of McMaster University identified several contributing factors to low vaccination rates. These include limited access to general practitioners, the absence of a national vaccination registry, the dissemination of misinformation, and insufficient public health outreach to vaccine-hesitant or distrustful communities.
Regional and US Context
The United States also faces a risk of losing its measles elimination status if its current outbreak is not contained by January. Cases have been reported in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina. Mexico has experienced a surge in measles cases, placing it among the top 10 countries globally for outbreaks, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Historically, the Americas was the first region worldwide to achieve measles elimination in 2016. This status was temporarily revoked due to outbreaks in Venezuela and Brazil but was regained in 2024 following coordinated vaccination campaigns. However, measles transmission has since re-emerged in North America.
The MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is reported to be 97% effective against measles, a virus capable of causing pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.