Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status Amid Rising Cases Across the Americas
Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, marking the first such instance in the Americas since the pandemic, a development that underscores the growing threat of preventable diseases due to declining vaccination rates.
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced the change today, citing ongoing transmission of the virus that began in New Brunswick in October 2024. As of today, November 10, 2025, Canadian health officials have recorded 5,138 measles cases, tragically including the deaths of two infants infected in utero. “This loss represents a setback, of course, but it is also reversible,” stated Jarbas Barbosa, head of the Pan American Health Organization, during a media briefing. The country initially eliminated measles in 1998, two years before the United States.
The situation extends beyond Canada’s borders; the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports 12,593 confirmed measles cases across the region this year – a thirtyfold increase from the previous year. The majority of cases – 95% – are concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., with Mexico reporting nearly 4,000 cases and 23 deaths since February, particularly in the state of Chihuahua. In the United States, outbreaks have been reported in 41 states, with 1,681 confirmed cases as of last week, the highest number in over three decades; you can find more information about measles prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent investigation revealed declines in routine childhood vaccinations in 77% of U.S. counties since 2019, contributing to the resurgence.
PAHO officials note that vaccination coverage across the region averaged 79% last year, falling short of the levels needed to maintain elimination. Measles is highly contagious, remaining airborne for up to two hours, and poses a significant risk to unvaccinated individuals. Understanding the global impact of measles is crucial for public health initiatives. Canadian health officials are now focused on developing a plan to regain elimination status, prioritizing improved vaccination rates and enhanced surveillance efforts.
