Canada loses measles elimination status

Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status

The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that the measles outbreak has lasted for over 12 months, resulting in the loss of Canada’s measles elimination status. While many anticipated this announcement, it is considered a setback for Canada’s global reputation in public health.

Expert Opinions and Public Health Challenges

Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch highlighted the deficiencies in Canada’s public health system since the country first earned elimination status in 1998. He emphasized the need for increased investments in outreach and improved access to vaccination programs to address these gaps.

International Context

Two other countries in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) region, Venezuela and Brazil, also lost their measles elimination status in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Both nations managed to regain this status after about five years, according to a PAHO spokesperson.

Measles Risks and Symptoms

Measles is not only highly contagious but also extremely dangerous. Initial symptoms resemble milder illnesses and include a high fever, cough, and runny nose. The distinctive rash appears next, spreading as red or purple blotches across the body, lasting up to a week.

"Measles can also lead to a range of life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, even death. In some cases, it leads to a devastating, deadly brain disease that develops years after an initial infection."

Summary

Canada’s loss of measles elimination status exposes critical weaknesses in its public health strategy and underscores the need for renewed efforts in vaccination access and community outreach.

Radio-Canada — 2025-11-10