Canada loses measles elimination status amid ongoing outbreak
Canada has lost its measles elimination status amid a large, ongoing outbreak of the virus, reports BritPanorama.
The Public Health Agency of Canada stated that they were informed by the World Health Organization of this status change following 12 months of uninterrupted transmission. The country has been grappling with ongoing transmission of the virus since October 2024.
“PAHO’s Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission reviewed recent epidemiological and laboratory data, confirming sustained transmission of the same measles virus strain in Canada for a period of more than one year,” public health officials confirmed in a statement. The agency noted that Canada may regain its elimination status once the transmission of the current outbreak strain is halted for at least 12 months.
Last month marked the one-year anniversary of continuous measles transmission in Canada, with the country reporting over 5,000 cases — more than double the total of the past 25 years combined. The outbreak is primarily centered in Ontario.
This situation highlights ongoing public health challenges and underscores the importance of immunization as Canada grapples with the resurgence of measles and seeks to restore its elimination status.
