Canada loses its official ‘measles-free’ status – and the US will follow soon, as vaccination rates fall

Canada Loses Official Measles-Free Status

Decreased vaccination rates have caused measles outbreaks in Canada and other countries. Following a measles outbreak that infected thousands over the past year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revoked Canada’s measles-free status in November.

Announcement by Health Authorities

The decision came after PAHO’s measles elimination commission met in Mexico City to review public health data. PAHO serves as the regional office for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Americas.

"As a global health epidemiologist who studies the spread of infectious diseases, this change in status does not surprise me."

Causes of Measles Resurgence

Measles is highly contagious, and declining childhood vaccination rates in Canada and other countries have left many children vulnerable. The resurgence after decades of low cases signals a wider issue.

Similar Trends in the United States

The U.S. has also experienced large measles outbreaks in 2025 and is expected to lose its measles-free designation soon.

Underlying Problems

Loss of measles elimination status reflects a decline in public trust in scientific and health messages.
Decreased vaccination rates have increased population vulnerability to preventable diseases.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease

Before the measles vaccine was licensed in 1963, nearly every child contracted measles, with more than 2 million children dying annually from the disease worldwide.

"Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet."

Author’s Summary

The return of measles highlights the critical need to restore public confidence in vaccinations and health communications to prevent further outbreaks.

The Conversation — 2025-11-10