The Public Health Agency of Canada has announced that the country has lost its measles elimination status, a designation it held for 25 years since 1998. This decision comes after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) confirmed ongoing transmission of the same strain of measles for over a year.
Measles Outbreak Details
The outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024. To date, more than 5,000 individuals have contracted measles in Canada. Tragically, two infants in Ontario and Alberta, infected in the womb, died shortly after birth due to the virus.
Regional Impact
- Ontario: This province was identified as the epicenter for several months, reporting over 2,000 cases. It declared an end to its outbreak in October.
- Alberta: Alberta continues to experience an outbreak, with nearly 2,000 reported infections linked to the same strain.
- Other Provinces: Cases have also been reported in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.
Path to Reinstatement of Elimination Status
To regain its measles elimination status, Canada must halt the transmission of the current strain for at least 12 months. The PHAC reported that, although transmission has recently slowed, the outbreak has persisted primarily in communities with low vaccination rates.
Challenges and Solutions
Public health experts link the resurgence of measles to decreasing vaccination rates. This decline is attributed to vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and a general distrust of authority, along with disruptions in routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PHAC is collaborating with PAHO, as well as federal, provincial, and territorial partners, to enhance vaccination efforts, improve data sharing, and bolster surveillance. To illustrate the potential for recovery, it’s worth noting that both Venezuela and Brazil, which lost their elimination status in 2018 and 2019, respectively, successfully reinstated their status after about five years of concerted public health efforts.
Conclusion
Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases globally, requiring a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. Continued efforts are essential for Canada to restore its measles elimination status and protect community health.
