Canada Stripped of Measles-Free Status After 30 Years Due to Year-Long Outbreak

Canada has lost its status as a measles-free country. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) confirmed the loss. This is a major setback after nearly three decades. Canada failed to stop a year-long outbreak of the disease. This loss also means the entire Americas region has lost its elimination status.

The country has logged over 5,000 measles cases this year. Cases appeared in nine of its ten provinces. The outbreak mostly affected communities with low vaccination rates. Experts say lower immunization coverage enabled the virus to spread. A country needs a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said transmission has slowed down. However, the outbreak lasted more than 12 months. This period of continuous spread violates the measles elimination criteria. Health officials must now focus on improving vaccination coverage. They also need to strengthen data sharing and surveillance. Experts call this loss embarrassing and a “wake-up call.” They warn that slipping rates signal a broader resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses. The good news is the status is reversible. Canada can regain it by stopping the current strain’s transmission for 12 months.