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5d ago

Americas Experience Measles Resurgence with Canada as Epicenter

Fueled by suboptimal two-dose coverage, the outbreak has prompted health authorities across the Americas to expand vaccination campaigns, declare health emergencies, intensify surveillance.

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A health worker administers a dose of the measles vaccine to a girl during a measles vaccination drive in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Sanchez/File Photo
Warning signage for suspected cases of measles is seen outside the main entrance of Woodstock General Hospital in Woodstock, Ont., Thursday, May 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Overview

  • The Pan American Health Organization reported 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 deaths in 10 countries through Aug. 8, a 34-fold increase from the same period last year.
  • Canada accounts for 4,548 cases concentrated in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario, with Southwestern Ontario reporting only three new infections in the past week.
  • Regional two-dose MMR coverage stands at about 79%, leaving populations below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity and contributing to 71% of cases among unvaccinated individuals.
  • Mexico has recorded 3,911 infections and 14 fatalities, Indigenous communities face case-fatality rates 20 times higher than average, and the United States reports 1,356 cases across 41 jurisdictions with three deaths.
  • Authorities in Paraguay declared a health emergency after confirming five unvaccinated pediatric measles cases and deployed rapid response teams to conduct targeted vaccination drives in San Pedro.