Canada lost its measles elimination status on Monday after the Pan American Health Organization determined the country failed to control a year-long outbreak, with more than 5,000 cases recorded across nine provinces and one territory.</span

BBC News

CTVNews

Canada lost its measles elimination status on Monday after the Pan American Health Organization determined the country failed to control a year-long outbreak, with more than 5,000 cases recorded across nine provinces and one territory.

The outbreak began in October 2024 when an infected traveler attended a wedding in New Brunswick, subsequently spreading to most Canadian provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Yukon.</span

Toronto Star

Vancouver Sun

The outbreak began in October 2024 when an infected traveler attended a wedding in New Brunswick, subsequently spreading to most Canadian provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Yukon.

Two infants died from the outbreak after being exposed to measles in the womb and born prematurely, while health officials confirmed cases concentrated among Mennonite, Amish and other communities with low immunization rates.</span

Guardian

Two infants died from the outbreak after being exposed to measles in the womb and born prematurely, while health officials confirmed cases concentrated among Mennonite, Amish and other communities with low immunization rates.

Canada's vaccination coverage dropped from 89.5 percent in 2019 to 82.5 percent by 2023, falling below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity against the highly contagious virus that can linger in air for two hours.</span

Al Jazeera

Canada's vaccination coverage dropped from 89.5 percent in 2019 to 82.5 percent by 2023, falling below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity against the highly contagious virus that can linger in air for two hours.

The loss of Canada's status caused the entire Americas region to lose its measles-free designation, though individual countries maintain their elimination status while facing active outbreaks in Mexico, the United States and other nations.</span

The loss of Canada's status caused the entire Americas region to lose its measles-free designation, though individual countries maintain their elimination status while facing active outbreaks in Mexico, the United States and other nations.

Health experts attributed declining vaccination rates to growing distrust of healthcare providers following COVID-19, spread of anti-vaccine misinformation, and reduced access to general healthcare during pandemic lockdowns.</span

Health experts attributed declining vaccination rates to growing distrust of healthcare providers following COVID-19, spread of anti-vaccine misinformation, and reduced access to general healthcare during pandemic lockdowns.

BBC News #

CTVNews #

Toronto Star #

Vancouver Sun #

Guardian #2788

NBC #2687

Al Jazeera #

Canada Loses Measles-Free Status After 5,000+ Cases

Canada

Diseases & conditions

Health

Canada's measles outbreak shows the system working as intended. Health officials quickly coordinated across all levels of government, implemented evidence-based responses and slowed transmission through strong public health measures. The vaccine remains highly effective and restoration efforts are already underway.

Canada's measles outbreak shows the system working as intended. Health officials quickly coordinated across all levels of government, implemented evidence-based responses and slowed transmission through strong public health measures. The vaccine remains highly effective and restoration efforts are already underway.</span

Canada.ca

Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Canadas Measles Elimination Status

Canada's loss of measles-free status after nearly three decades represents a devastating and embarrassing public health failure. Vaccination rates have plummeted to dangerous levels, the outbreak spread to over 5,000 cases nationwide and the collapse exposes critical weaknesses in surveillance systems.

Canada's loss of measles-free status after nearly three decades represents a devastating and embarrassing public health failure. Vaccination rates have plummeted to dangerous levels, the outbreak spread to over 5,000 cases nationwide and the collapse exposes critical weaknesses in surveillance systems.</span

Canada Loses Measles-Free Status After 5,000+ Cases

Canada Loses Measles-Free Status After 5,000+ Cases

The Spin

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Canada Loses Measles-Free Status After 5,000+ Cases

Canada Loses Measles-Free Status After 5,000+ Cases

The Spin

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters