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

Canada Loses Its Measles-Free Status

Falling vaccination rates have caused new measles outbreaks in Canada and several other nations. In response to a surge that infected thousands over the past year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revoked Canada’s measles-free status in November after examining updated public health data during a meeting in Mexico City.

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

Measles is extremely contagious, and reduced childhood vaccination rates have left many children vulnerable. The return of measles in Canada after decades of minimal infections signals a broader global concern.

The situation is not unique to Canada. The United States has also experienced major outbreaks this year and is at risk of losing its measles-free designation soon.

The Larger Concern

The loss of measles elimination status reflects a deeper issue: declining trust in scientific and health communication. This erosion of confidence has caused vaccination rates to drop, increasing global susceptibility to diseases that vaccines could prevent.

Historical Context

Before the first licensed measles vaccine appeared in 1963, almost every child contracted the disease, and more than two million children died from it each year. Today, falling immunization levels bring back the risk of repeating that grim past.

Author’s summary: Canada’s measles resurgence reveals a worldwide erosion of vaccine confidence, threatening hard-won public health achievements.

more

The Conversation The Conversation — 2025-11-10

More News