🇨🇦 Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, announces the Public Health Agency of Canada. PAHO confirmed the same measles strain has been transmitted continuously for over a year. 😷
The outbreak, which began in October 2024, has spread across multiple provinces and territories. As of October 25, 2025, Canada has reported 5,138 measles cases this year, including two deaths in premature infants with congenital measles. 🚨
Canada first achieved measles elimination status in 1998. While transmission has recently slowed, the virus has persisted for more than 12 months, especially in under-vaccinated communities. ⚠️
Health officials note that Canada can re-establish its measles elimination status once transmission of the current strain is interrupted for at least 12 months. 🕒
Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral respiratory illness spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Symptoms—high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash—usually appear 1–2 weeks after exposure. Severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia. 🦠
Reference(s):
Canada loses measles elimination status after year-long outbreak
cgtn.com
