Canada Just Lost Its Measles-Free Status. The U.S. Could Soon Follow
Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status after a year of continuous transmission, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This announcement marks the end of the entire region of the Americas being measles-free.
The Americas achieved the milestone of being the first region in the world to be declared free of the disease in 2016. This success followed a 22-year regional campaign that focused on mass vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.
At a press briefing, PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa acknowledged the setback of losing the measles-free status but emphasized that it is a reversible situation. He highlighted the importance of taking immediate action to address the ongoing transmission of the disease.
In response to PAHO’s declaration, the Public Health Agency of Canada stated that they are collaborating with PAHO and other authorities to enhance vaccination coverage, improve data sharing, strengthen surveillance, and provide evidence-based guidance. The agency emphasized that Canada can regain its measles elimination status once transmission of the current outbreak strain is halted for at least 12 months.
Apart from Canada, several other countries in the Americas are currently experiencing active measles outbreaks, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, and the United States. Health experts have raised concerns about the U.S.’s vulnerability to losing its measles-free status, especially after a significant outbreak in West Texas earlier in the year.
In 2025, the U.S. has reported 1,681 measles cases, with a majority concentrated in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Health officials are closely monitoring ongoing outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah to determine if they are connected to the earlier outbreak in West Texas. If a link is established, the U.S. could lose its measles-free status for the first time in 25 years.
This recent development is not the first time the Americas have faced challenges in maintaining their measles elimination status. In 2018 and 2019, Venezuela and Brazil temporarily lost their elimination status due to major outbreaks. However, the region was able to regain its measles-free designation in 2024 before the recent setbacks.
As the threat of measles transmission looms in the Americas, it is crucial for countries to prioritize vaccination efforts, surveillance, and public health measures to prevent further outbreaks and regain their measles elimination status. The recent developments serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and surveillance systems to protect public health and prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
