Overview
- PAHO notified the Public Health Agency of Canada that elimination status was revoked after experts confirmed sustained transmission of the same measles strain for more than 12 months.
- The outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick and spread across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.
- PHAC reports 5,138 measles cases in 2025 as of Oct. 25 and two infant deaths linked to in‑utero infection.
- Transmission has slowed but continues in under‑vaccinated communities, with Ontario declaring its outbreak over on Oct. 6 and Alberta nearing 2,000 cases.
- Canada can regain its designation after 12 months without circulation of the outbreak strain, with PHAC coordinating vaccination campaigns, stronger surveillance and enhanced data sharing with provinces and PAHO.