"Canada has lost its measles-free status following a year of ongoing measles transmission, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced today. As a result, the entire region of the Americas is no longer measles-free. The Americas became the first region in the world to be declared free of the disease in 2016, following a 22-year regional campaign that relied on mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. This loss represents a setbackbut it is also reversible, PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa said today."
"So far this year, Canada has confirmed 5,162 measles cases. In response to PAHO's declaration, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement that it was working with PAHO and federal and local authorities to improve vaccination coverage, strengthen data sharing, enhance surveillance and provide evidence-based guidance. Canada can re-establish its measles elimination status once transmission of the strain linked to the current outbreak is interrupted for at least 12 months, the agency's statement said."
Canada experienced a year of continuous measles transmission that resulted in the loss of its official measles elimination status. The Pan American Health Organization declared the Americas no longer measles-free, reversing the 2016 regional achievement that relied on a 22-year mass vaccination campaign. So far in 2025 Canada has confirmed 5,162 measles cases. The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with PAHO and federal and local authorities to improve vaccination coverage, strengthen data sharing, enhance surveillance and provide evidence-based guidance. Canada can regain elimination status after at least 12 months without transmission of the outbreak-linked strain. Active outbreaks also exist in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay and the United States.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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