Toronto (Canada)— Canada has officially lost its measles-free status as outbreaks continue to spread across the country amid declining childhood vaccination rates, international health authorities announced on Monday.
The development marks a major setback more than a year after the virus began circulating again within Canadian communities. So far in 2025, Canada has reported 5,138 confirmed measles cases and two infant deaths, both of whom were exposed to the virus before birth and born prematurely.
Public health experts attribute the resurgence to falling immunization rates and increased global travel, which have allowed the highly contagious virus to regain a foothold.
While the measles elimination status is largely symbolic, it reflects a nation’s success in halting sustained community transmission.
Countries can still experience isolated cases through imported infections, but maintaining the status requires preventing ongoing local spread for at least 12 months.
Measles typically begins with a high fever, followed by a distinctive rash starting on the face and neck.
Although most patients recover, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the disease remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide.
Severe complications — including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and blindness — are most common in unvaccinated children and adults over 30.
The measles vaccine, which is safe and widely available, provides effective protection against the virus.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive all recommended doses to curb the spread and restore the country’s measles-free status.
