Overview
- PAHO’s Regional Verification Commission concluded last week that Canada sustained transmission of the same measles strain for over 12 months, triggering the loss of the Americas’ regional elimination even as other countries retain their national certification.
- Canada has logged just over 5,100 cases in the past year and two congenital deaths, with transmission continuing in several provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
- Mexico reports 5,185 confirmed cases and 23 deaths as of November 7, and PAHO is providing vaccine supply, laboratory support and vaccinator training to help the country halt spread before it reaches the 12‑month threshold.
- The United States has recorded about 1,681 cases in 2025 with multiple outbreaks under investigation, and health officials warn the country could jeopardize its measles elimination status if spread is not interrupted.
- Falling MMR coverage below the 95% target and pockets of under‑vaccination drive the surge, with many cases among unvaccinated people and genetically linked transmission across Canada, Texas and Chihuahua involving Mennonite community networks.