Discover How Canada Became the Epicenter of North America’s Measles Outbreak

Morgan Birch was worried when her baby, Kimie, developed a rash and fever. At first, she thought it was just a side effect from vaccines or possibly chickenpox. But her 78-year-old grandmother knew better: “That’s measles.” Morgan was shocked. She believed measles had been eliminated.

A lab test confirmed it: Kimie had measles, likely contracted during a hospital visit in Edmonton. Sadly, she was one of over 3,800 measles cases in Canada in 2025—most affecting children. This number is almost triple the confirmed cases in the US, despite Canada having a smaller population. Remarkably, Canada now ranks eighth among Western nations for measles outbreaks.

Most cases are centered in Alberta, where the spread is alarming. Dr. Vivien Suttorp, a health official there, stated, “I haven’t seen an outbreak this severe in 18 years.” Initial infections traced back to a Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick, where vaccination rates are typically low due to cultural beliefs. Many of those infected were unvaccinated.

Catalina Friesen, a healthcare worker at a mobile clinic, shared her experience: “I first noticed it in February, with a child who seemed to have an ear infection. It turned out to be measles.” This outbreak culminated in over 200 new cases in Ontario by late April.

Experts point to low vaccination rates as a primary reason for the surge. Dr. Janna Shapiro from the University of Toronto noted that a virus can easily spread in communities with low immunization. In southern Alberta alone, the number of MMR vaccines dropped by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2024.

While Canada struggles with this resurgence, experts emphasized the need for addressing vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Shapiro remarked that historical distrust in the healthcare system has amplified this issue, especially among some Mennonite communities. There’s a growing chorus of misinformation that fuels fears about vaccines.

Although vaccination campaigns are underway, public response has been less enthusiastic compared to the Covid-19 crisis. “If people don’t get vaccinated, the virus will keep spreading,” Dr. Shapiro warned. Meanwhile, Kimie is slowly recovering, but her mother feels a mix of sadness and frustration about the situation. “My four-month-old shouldn’t have gotten measles in 2025,” she lamented.

With measles cases on the rise across North America, including a record number in the UK, it’s a wake-up call for public health. Reliable vaccines like the MMR can prevent serious diseases, and collective efforts are needed to boost vaccination rates and protect vulnerable populations.

For more information on measles outbreaks and vaccination resources, check out trusted sources like the CDC and Canada’s Health Infobase.

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