Ottawa: Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status for the first time in almost 30 years after failing to control a prolonged outbreak that has infected thousands across the country, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) confirmed on Monday. The setback also means the Americas region has collectively lost its measles-free designation.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa described the development as “a setback, but one that remains reversible.” He urged renewed efforts to strengthen vaccination campaigns and surveillance systems, warning that continued lapses could allow the virus to become endemic once again.
Canada has reported over 5,000 measles cases spanning nine provinces and one northern territory. The Public Health Agency of Canada said that while transmission has slowed recently, the outbreak has persisted for more than a year, primarily in under-vaccinated communities. It pledged to focus on boosting vaccine coverage, improving data sharing, and enhancing virus monitoring.
PAHO announced this Monday that the Region of the Americas has lost its verification as free from endemic measles transmission. The virus has circulated for at least 12 months in Canada.
All other countries maintain their measles elimination status.
🔗: https://t.co/E0jY8v0VMB pic.twitter.com/zIGfQl6G2Q
— PAHO/WHO (@pahowho) November 10, 2025
Measles is one of the most contagious yet preventable diseases. A 95 percent vaccination coverage is required to achieve herd immunity, but experts say several parts of Canada have fallen below that level. The measles vaccine is 97 percent effective after two doses, but declining uptake has led to rising infections in children who remain unprotected.
The Americas had regained their measles-free status only in 2024 after Brazil curbed a major outbreak. Now, with ongoing infections in countries like Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, the region faces renewed risk. The U.S. has until January 20 to demonstrate it has stopped transmission linked to a strain that began in Texas earlier this year.
In Canada, some progress has been made. Alberta officials said cases have dropped more than 90 percent from the peak, and vaccination uptake since March has risen by nearly 50 percent compared with last year. Still, health authorities caution that the fight is far from over.
