Canada recently lost its measles elimination status, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. This marks a troubling moment, as it’s the first country in the Americas to face this since the pandemic began.
Experts warn that dropping this status is a serious concern. Jarbas Barbosa, head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), explained that Canada lost its status due to a yearlong surge in measles cases. Most notably, vaccination rates have taken a hit, and the country has recorded 5,138 cases since the outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick. This includes the tragic deaths of two babies who were born prematurely after being infected while in utero.
Barbosa called this change a setback but emphasized that it’s not irreversible. With the right strategy, Canada can regain its former status. Health officials now face the urgent task of boosting vaccination rates and enhancing surveillance efforts.
Since Canada’s elimination status was removed, the situation in the Americas has worsened overall. PAHO reported about 12,593 confirmed measles cases across North, Central, and South America, a startling increase compared to just 400 cases from the previous year. A staggering 95% of the 2025 cases come from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., which are also under risk of losing their elimination status.
In Mexico, the virus has spread rapidly, with almost 4,000 cases reported since February. Most cases are concentrated in Chihuahua, where 93% of the outbreaks have occurred, resulting in 23 fatalities. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been battling an ongoing outbreak initiated in January, primarily in West Texas and New Mexico, with 1,681 confirmed cases, the highest in over three decades.
Vaccination rates have dropped significantly, creating a fertile ground for outbreaks. An NBC News investigation revealed that since 2019, 77% of U.S. counties reported a decline in childhood vaccinations, including for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). According to PAHO, last year’s vaccination coverage in the region averaged only 79%.
Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses globally. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, meaning that anyone unvaccinated in the vicinity is at high risk of infection.
PAHO, part of the World Health Organization, is responsible for determining a country’s measles elimination status. This assessment includes the ongoing review of how effectively countries can control the spread of the virus, especially as outbreaks escalate.
As Daniel Salas, a PAHO immunization expert, pointed out, even with Canada’s setback, the Americas account for just 7.5% of global measles cases. The majority of outbreaks occur in the Middle East and South Asia.
Regaining measles elimination status will require collective effort and strategy changes across these nations. As communities grapple with vaccine hesitancy, experts stress the importance of education and outreach to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health.
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