For the first time in nearly three decades, Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The announcement, made on November 9, 2025, follows a year-long, multi-province outbreak that has now surpassed 5,100 confirmed cases.
The Outbreak in Numbers
As of November, Alberta and Ontario account for 84% of all reported cases. Alberta alone has confirmed 1,946 infections, including 154 hospitalizations, 15 ICU admissions, and one death. Ontario has recorded 2,392 cases as of late October.
Other affected regions include British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, with smaller clusters reported nationwide.
Why It’s Happening
Public health experts point to declining uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, particularly in under-vaccinated communities, as the main factor behind the resurgence.
The outbreak began in October 2024 and has continued to spread through schools, workplaces, and public events, revealing gaps in vaccine coverage and community outreach.
PHAC is now coordinating a cross-country response focused on boosting immunization rates, improving outbreak surveillance, and restoring public confidence in vaccination.
What It Means for Canadians
Losing elimination status doesn’t mean measles is uncontrollable—but it’s a serious signal that progress has slipped. Canada can regain its status only if no community transmission occurs for 12 consecutive months.
Health officials urge Canadians to check their vaccination records, especially before traveling internationally, where exposure risks are higher.
Provincial and territorial governments have pledged to work together on public education, trust-building, and vaccine accessibility initiatives to contain the outbreak.
A National Wake-Up Call
After 27 years of being measles-free, this setback is a reminder of what’s at stake when immunization rates drop.
The virus spreads fast, hits hardest among children, and thrives where vaccination hesitancy grows. As the nation works to reclaim its measles-free status, the message is clear: protecting public health begins with protecting one another.
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