Canada has lost its measles elimination status, according to the Pan American Health Organization (Paho), following a year-long outbreak that began last October due to declining vaccination numbers.
This loss means the Americas region is no longer deemed measles-free, despite other countries in the region maintaining their status. The United States may face a similar fate if it cannot control an ongoing outbreak by January, with recent cases reported in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina.
Paho has emphasized the importance of achieving a 95% vaccination rate to stop the spread of the virus. This loss represents a setback, but it is also reversible, stated Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Paho's director.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with regional health authorities to enhance vaccine rates and has indicated that the measles outbreak has predominantly affected under-vaccinated communities, particularly in Alberta and Ontario.
With over 5,000 reported cases in Canada, this year surpasses the 1,681 cases recorded in the US despite Canada's smaller population. Vaccination rates have fallen below critical thresholds, especially in regions like Alberta's South Zone, which reported only 68% immunization for children under two.
Immunologist Dawn Bowdish noted systemic issues contributing to low vaccine uptake, such as limited access to healthcare practitioners, misinformation, and insufficient public health outreach. Authorities hope this incident will prompt necessary changes to public health policy to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
The Americas region was declared measles-free in 2016; however, its status has now been challenged by surges occurring in both Canada and the US, alongside increasing cases in Mexico, marking a troubling trend in public health.
