Canada's measles-free status has been revoked by the Pan American Health Organization, marking a significant setback in the country's efforts to control the spread of the highly contagious disease. The decision comes after a year-long measles outbreak that has infected thousands of people across Canada.
The resurgence of measles in Canada is not an isolated incident; similar outbreaks have been reported in the US, which is also expected to lose its measles-free designation soon. The loss of these designations highlights a broader issue: declining trust in public health messaging and vaccination rates, leading to increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases.
To achieve measles elimination status, a country must demonstrate no ongoing local transmission of the disease for at least a year. Once that status is achieved, there is almost no risk from the disease as long as vaccination rates remain high. However, when vaccination rates drop, outbreaks are likely to occur.
In Canada, childhood vaccination rates have been falling worldwide, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the number of unvaccinated people in the population increased, leading to a significant rise in measles cases. In 2024, there were over 100 cases, and by 2025, the number jumped to over 5,000, with cases occurring across all Canadian provinces.
The fact that fewer than 10% of those who got sick had been vaccinated against the disease underscores the need for improved vaccination rates. The US has also experienced significant outbreaks, with more than 1,600 Americans getting sick from measles in 2025, mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
If vaccination coverage and public trust in community health measures do not improve, many countries are likely to face more frequent and larger outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The revocation of Canada's measles-free status serves as a warning about the consequences of complacency and declining vaccination rates.
The resurgence of measles in Canada is not an isolated incident; similar outbreaks have been reported in the US, which is also expected to lose its measles-free designation soon. The loss of these designations highlights a broader issue: declining trust in public health messaging and vaccination rates, leading to increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases.
To achieve measles elimination status, a country must demonstrate no ongoing local transmission of the disease for at least a year. Once that status is achieved, there is almost no risk from the disease as long as vaccination rates remain high. However, when vaccination rates drop, outbreaks are likely to occur.
In Canada, childhood vaccination rates have been falling worldwide, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the number of unvaccinated people in the population increased, leading to a significant rise in measles cases. In 2024, there were over 100 cases, and by 2025, the number jumped to over 5,000, with cases occurring across all Canadian provinces.
The fact that fewer than 10% of those who got sick had been vaccinated against the disease underscores the need for improved vaccination rates. The US has also experienced significant outbreaks, with more than 1,600 Americans getting sick from measles in 2025, mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
If vaccination coverage and public trust in community health measures do not improve, many countries are likely to face more frequent and larger outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The revocation of Canada's measles-free status serves as a warning about the consequences of complacency and declining vaccination rates.
virus monster 
! canada's case is super scary 5k+ cases 
, vaccination rates need serious boost 
! if us too follow suit 
, we all gonna be in big trouble 
. gov & public health gotta get on it 
, or measles gonna keep wreaking havoc 
. vaccine hesitancy is no joke 
!
! This is so frustrating 
... I mean, I know we're all exhausted from 2 yrs of Covid but come on 
! Measles was basically eradicated in Canada years ago & now it's like... back to square one 
. I'm worried about my little cousins 
who haven't been vaccinated yet... I keep thinking about how many people are at risk 
. We gotta step up our vaccination game 
and trust the science 
! It's not that hard, guys 
. What's going on with the vaccine supply? 
Are we running out of vaccines or something? I need answers ASAP 
I'm really worried about this news! Measles outbreak in Canada is a huge concern, especially since it's not an isolated incident - the US is also struggling with similar issues 
. If not, it could lead to bigger problems down the line 
has been broken. We gotta ask ourselves, why did we let this happen? 
Vaccination rates are dropping everywhere and it's time to take responsibility for our own health 
. We need to get back on track, not just for ourselves but for the next gen 
. Can't let measles win 
... like, what's going on? Can't we get any good news for once? 
... I mean, I know vaccines are important and all that 
but seriously, can't we just get this under control already? 
Anyway, this is a major warning sign for other countries too... 
i know alot of peeps r skeptical bout vaccines but trust me im a vaccine skeptic too 
and i got vaccinated lol i saw this on twitter n my heart sank cuz its just not good for us 
sadly thats what happens when u dont listen to public health 
now canada r in the same boat as us n its all bc of complacency 
. I mean, 5,000 cases in Canada is just insane 
. It's not that hard, guys! #MeaslesAwarenessMatters #VaccinationIsKey #StaySafe
. And another thing, why did it take them a whole year to notice the problem in Canada? Something doesn't add up 
Measles is super contagious... like super duper... ugh! 
need to boost vaccination rates ASAP! 
measles is a real concern now... gotta take action! 
we gotta make sure everyone gets vaccinated ASAP! 
, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves and our loved ones from preventable diseases like measles.
.
. I'm not surprised the US is facing similar issues too... it's a global problem