Canada Could Lose Its Measles-Free Status as Outbreak Grows
Canada got rid of regular measles outbreaks in 1998, but now, that progress is at risk. The country could lose its measles elimination status because of a growing number of cases.
Dr. Sarah Wilson from Public Health Ontario says the risk is serious. Ontario is now seeing more cases in a week than it used to see in ten years. “This is very different from the last decade when we had measles under control,” she said.
To keep measles elimination status, the disease must not spread regularly in a country. If it does for a full year, that country can lose its status. Canada’s outbreak started in October 2024, so if it continues until October 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) could take away Canada’s elimination status.
Right now, Canada has more measles cases than any other country in the Americas. The disease has spread across several provinces and territories. Ontario has had almost 1,800 cases since October, and Alberta has more than 500.
Dr. Santina Lee, a children’s disease expert in Winnipeg, says losing the status wouldn’t change daily life much, but it would feel like a step backward. “We have vaccines to prevent measles, so we should be using them,” she said.
Measles in the Americas
The Americas (North, Central, and South America) were the first region in the world to eliminate measles in 2016. But outbreaks in Venezuela and Brazil caused it to lose that status in 2019. The region regained it in 2024. Now, Canada’s outbreak could put that at risk again.
Brazil was able to stop its outbreak by focusing on vaccinations, testing, and quick response teams.
Dr. Daniel Salas from PAHO says while the status is symbolic, losing it shows real risks. Measles can be very dangerous, especially for people without good access to health care. In 2023, over 100,000 people — mostly young children — died from measles around the world.
Vaccines saved about 60 million lives from 2000 to 2023, the World Health Organization says. But in 2023 alone, 22 million babies missed at least one dose of the measles vaccine.
Can Canada Turn Things Around?
Dr. Marina Salvadori from the Public Health Agency of Canada says the country is getting ready for its next review. Experts will look at case numbers, lab work, and vaccine rates. She says it’s possible the outbreak will last past October, but even then, Canada could regain its elimination status if vaccination improves.
To stop the virus, 95% of people need to be vaccinated. Right now, Canada is below that level. Between 2019 and 2023, first-dose vaccine coverage dropped from 90% to 83%.
Dr. Salvadori warns that if measles becomes common again, many children could be in danger. “There’s nothing normal about measles. It’s a serious infection,” she said. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Most cases are happening in people who haven’t been fully vaccinated. In Ontario, nearly 90% of cases are in unvaccinated people, which makes it harder to stop the spread.
In Manitoba, officials are now offering the measles shot earlier for kids in areas with lots of cases — starting at six months old instead of 12.
Dr. Lee says there’s still time for people to learn more and change their minds about vaccines. “It’s not about forcing anyone. It’s about having real conversations and understanding each other,” she said.
