The Americas, led by Canada, is on brink of losing measles-elimination status
6 months ago
- #measles
- #public health
- #vaccination
- The Americas, the only region to stop endemic measles transmission, is at risk of losing its measles elimination status due to Canada's ongoing outbreak.
- Canada's measles outbreak, linked to under-vaccinated religious communities, has led to over 5,100 cases and two deaths in 2025.
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is reviewing data to determine if the Americas will lose its measles elimination status.
- Loss of elimination status occurs if a country has 12 months of continuous measles transmission, as seen in Canada.
- Previous measles elimination status was lost in Venezuela (2018) and Brazil (2019) but regained after stopping endemic spread.
- Public health officials emphasize the need for global cooperation to combat measles, highlighting vaccine hesitancy as a key challenge.
- The outbreak in Canada began in October 2024, spreading across nine provinces and the Northwest Territories.
- Efforts to regain elimination status require robust surveillance and proof of 12 months without endemic transmission.