Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Monday, following a large, ongoing outbreak of the virus. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), part of the World Health Organization, informed Canada that viral transmission has continued without interruption since October 2024.Although the spread has slowed in recent weeks, the outbreak persists, mainly in communities with lower vaccination coverage.What Is Measles?Measles is a highly contagious virus that can become life-threatening if not detected and treated early.The infection spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It typically starts with symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, high fever, and red, sore eyes.A few days after the initial infection, tiny white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. This is usually followed by a rash that begins on the face and behind the ears, eventually spreading across the body—the most recognizable sign of measles, according to NHS England.Why Has Canada Lost Its Measles Status?“PAHO’s Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission reviewed the latest epidemiological and lab data, confirming ongoing transmission of the same measles strain in Canada for over a year,” officials said, as per CNN.The Re-Verification Commission (RVC) is an independent group of experts that monitors measles outbreaks in the Americas and advises PAHO’s director, who makes the final determination regarding elimination status.Canada had been considered measles-free since 1998, after successful vaccination campaigns following the approval of the measles vaccine in 1963. However, in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has grown, and immunization rates have dropped below the 95% coverage recommended for all childhood vaccines.However, with Canada’s change in status, the Americas region as a whole has now officially lost its measles-free designation.Can Canada Regain Measles-Free Status Again?Canada can regain its elimination status once transmission of the outbreak strain is halted for at least 12 months. The Public Health Agency of Canada says it is working closely with PAHO and local public health authorities to control the outbreakCan U.S. Lose Its Measles Elimination Status Too?The United States has also experienced major measles outbreaks this year and is at risk of losing its elimination status. “We hope the U.S. can stop transmission before reaching that point,” said Dr. Daniel Salas, executive manager of PAHO’s Special Program for Comprehensive Immunization.This year’s outbreak began in West Texas in January and has since spread to other states, with investigations ongoing into linked cases along the Arizona-Utah border.Mexico has also reported a recent outbreak, mainly in Chihuahua, with additional cases in southern states.Measles Vaccination Remains the KeyPAHO officials stress the importance of continued vaccination efforts. “With political commitment, regional cooperation, and sustained immunization, Canada and the Americas can once again halt transmission and reclaim measles-free status,” Barbosa said.
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