Canada Loses Measles-Free Status; US Risks Following Suit
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced that Canada has lost its measles elimination status due to a sustained outbreak lasting 12 months. This loss affects the Americas region, which was previously recognized as measles-free. Despite this setback, other countries in the region continue to maintain their measles-free statuses.
Impending Risks for the United States
The United States is on the brink of losing its own measles-free designation. An ongoing outbreak, unless contained by January, could lead to a similar classification as Canada. Recent measles cases have been reported in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina.
Details of Canada’s Outbreak
Canada’s measles outbreak began in October 2025, primarily attributed to declining vaccination rates. The country has reported over 5,000 cases, with the highest numbers in Ontario and Alberta. This figure significantly surpasses the 1,681 cases reported in the United States, despite Canada’s smaller population.
Factors Contributing to Low Vaccination Rates
- Limited access to healthcare providers.
- Absence of a national vaccination registry for tracking immunization status.
- Spread of misinformation regarding vaccines.
- Lack of public health outreach efforts to vaccine-hesitant communities.
In Alberta, vaccination rates are below the necessary threshold of 95%. The South Zone, which includes Calgary, reported only 68% of children under two years old were immunized against measles as of 2024. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa from PAHO emphasized the importance of achieving high vaccination coverage to eradicate the disease.
The Importance of the MMR Vaccine
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is critical in fighting this outbreak. It boasts a 97% effectiveness rate against measles, alongside protections against other diseases. Canadian immunologist Dawn Bowdish pointed out systemic issues that have contributed to the current crisis. She believes that this incident could serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address lapses in the healthcare system.
Measles Status in the Americas
The Americas was the first region to achieve a measles-free status in 2016, though this designation was compromised due to outbreaks in Venezuela and Brazil. Both countries successfully regained their elimination status in 2024 by implementing extensive vaccination campaigns. However, the resurgence of measles now challenges this hard-fought progress in North America.
Mexico has also experienced a rise in measles cases, ranking among the top ten countries dealing with significant outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swift actions are required across the Americas to reclaim and maintain measles-free status in the face of these infections.
