Canada no longer measles-free as outbreaks spread

"Canada is no longer measles-free because of ongoing outbreaks, international health experts said on Monday, as childhood vaccination rates fall and the highly contagious virus spreads across North and South America. The loss of the country's measles elimination status comes more than a year after the highly contagious virus started spreading. Canada has logged 5,138 measles cases this year and two deaths. Both were babies who were exposed to the measles virus in the womb and born prematurely."

"Measles typically begins with a high fever followed by a telltale rash that starts on the face and neck. Most people recover, but it's one of the leading causes of death among young children, according to the World Health Organization. Serious complications, including blindness and swelling of the brain, are more common in young children and adults over age 30. It is prevented by a vaccine administered routinely and safely to children around the world."

Canada has lost its measles elimination status after sustained local transmission produced 5,138 cases and two deaths this year, both infants exposed in utero and born prematurely. Measles elimination is achieved when continuous local spread stops, though occasional travel-related cases may occur. Measles causes high fever and a characteristic rash, and remains a leading cause of death among young children with risks of blindness and encephalitis, especially in young children and adults over 30. Widespread, routine vaccination prevents measles; the Americas were declared measles-free in 2016 and vaccines prevented an estimated 6.2 million deaths in the region from 2000–2023, but coverage has fallen below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.

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