Canada loses its measles-free status, with US on track to follow
11 days ago
- #measles
- #public health
- #vaccination
- Canada has lost its measles elimination status due to a 12-month outbreak.
- The Americas region as a whole lost its measles-free status because of Canada's outbreak.
- The US risks losing its measles-free status if it doesn't stop its outbreak by January.
- Canada's outbreak is linked to lower vaccination rates, with only 68% of children under two vaccinated in some areas.
- The Pan American Health Organization (Paho) urges Canada to increase vaccinations to 95% coverage to stop the spread.
- Canada reported over 5,000 measles cases in 2025, mostly in Ontario and Alberta, three times the US cases despite a smaller population.
- Low vaccination rates in Alberta, particularly in the South Zone, are contributing to the outbreak.
- The MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Reasons for low vaccination rates include lack of access to healthcare, no national vaccination registry, and misinformation.
- The Americas was the first region declared measles-free in 2016 but lost and regained status due to outbreaks in Venezuela and Brazil.
- Mexico is now among the top 10 countries with large measles outbreaks.