Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status After Yearlong Outbreak; U.S. Cases Surge

Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced this week that Canada has lost its measles elimination status after an outbreak that has continued for more than 12 months. Elimination status means a country has gone at least 12 months without sustained, uncontrolled measles transmission; it does not mean the virus is eradicated, and cases can still be introduced through international travel.

Measles was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. Health officials say the current surge, which began in October 2024, has been driven largely by under‑vaccinated communities. While transmission has slowed recently, the outbreak has persisted for over a year. "Canada can re-establish its measles elimination status once transmission of the measles strain associated with the current outbreak is interrupted for at least 12 months," officials said.

Scope and impact

So far this year, Canada has reported 5,138 measles cases and two deaths, both preterm infants in Alberta and Ontario, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

U.S. situation: rising cases

Across the border, the United States is also experiencing a sharp rise in measles cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,681 confirmed cases in the U.S. so far this year, compared with 285 during the same period last year — the highest U.S. total since 2000 when the country earned elimination recognition. If the United States cannot interrupt transmission of the current outbreak for at least 12 months, it could similarly lose its elimination status.

U.S. health officials report that 92% of recent U.S. cases occurred in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown; 8% occurred in people who had received one or two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

What is measles and how can it be prevented?

Measles is highly contagious. Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a widespread rash of red splotches that can be itchy. Young children, especially those under 5, are at greatest risk for severe complications.

Contagion: If one infected person is present, up to 9 in 10 susceptible (unvaccinated) people nearby may become infected.

The MMR vaccine is the most effective protection: two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles disease. Public health authorities emphasize vaccination, timely administration of the MMR vaccine, and outreach to under‑vaccinated communities as the primary strategies to interrupt transmission and restore elimination status.

Some public figures have promoted skepticism about vaccines; public health experts warn that misinformation can reduce vaccination uptake and contribute to outbreaks. Health agencies continue to urge people to follow recommended vaccination schedules and consult healthcare providers with questions.

Bottom line: The resurgence of measles in Canada and rising U.S. cases underscore the consequences of gaps in vaccination coverage. Increasing vaccination rates and community outreach are essential to stop the outbreaks and recover elimination status.