In a concerning development for public health in the Americas, Canada has officially lost its measles-free status after experiencing a year of continuous measles transmission, according to an announcement by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on November 10, 2025. This change means that the entire region of the Americas is no longer considered free of measles, a disease once declared eliminated from the area nearly a decade ago.
The Americas had been celebrated as the first region in the world to eliminate measles back in 2016, following a monumental 22-year campaign focused on mass vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella. This campaign was a significant public health milestone, demonstrating the power of coordinated immunization efforts across countries to eradicate a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease. However, the recent resurgence signals a setback in these efforts, highlighting vulnerabilities that have allowed the virus to re-establish itself.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa addressed the situation at a press briefing, emphasizing that while the loss of measles-free status is a serious concern, it is a reversible one. He urged countries in the region to ramp up vaccination campaigns, strengthen surveillance systems, and improve data sharing among public health agencies to halt ongoing transmission and prevent further spread.
Canada’s situation has been particularly alarming this year, with the country reporting 5,162 confirmed measles cases so far in 2025. The Public Health Agency of Canada responded swiftly to PAHO’s announcement, stating that it is collaborating closely with PAHO as well as local and federal authorities to enhance vaccination coverage and surveillance efforts. The agency also highlighted its commitment to providing clear, evidence-based guidance to healthcare providers and the public.
Importantly, the agency noted that Canada can regain its measles elimination status once transmission of the current outbreak strain has been interrupted for at least 12 months. This underscores that with coordinated action and sustained public health efforts, the resurgence can be brought under control.
Beyond Canada, other countries in the Americas are grappling with active measles outbreaks. Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay have all reported cases, indicating a broader regional challenge. The United States, in particular, is under close scrutiny. Earlier this year, a significant outbreak began in late January 2025 in West Texas, leading to 762 confirmed cases before being declared over in mid-August. Despite this, the U.S. has recorded a total of 1,681 measles cases in 2025, with the majority found in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Moreover, ongoing outbreaks are being investigated in South Carolina and Utah. Health officials are examining whether these outbreaks are linked to the initial West Texas cluster. Should they be connected, the U.S. faces the possibility of losing its measles-free status for the first time in 25 years—a development that would mirror Canada’s unfortunate experience.
This is not the first time the Americas have faced setbacks in their fight against measles. In 2018 and 2019, Venezuela and Brazil temporarily lost their measles elimination status due to major outbreaks. However, the region had successfully regained its measles-free designation in 2024, making the current situation all the more disheartening.
The resurgence of measles in the Americas serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining disease elimination in the face of vaccine hesitancy, gaps in immunization coverage, and the highly contagious nature of the virus. Measles is known for its ability to spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations, leading to serious health complications, especially in children.
Experts emphasize that the key to reversing this trend lies in sustained, high vaccination coverage, robust public health surveillance, and effective communication to combat misinformation about vaccines. The recent outbreaks reinforce the critical importance of these strategies in protecting public health.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and its counterparts across the Americas are now tasked with urgent action to contain the outbreaks and restore their countries’ measles-free statuses. This includes increasing public awareness about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, ensuring easy access to immunization services, and bolstering the capacity of health systems to detect and respond to measles cases swiftly.
The loss of measles elimination status by Canada and the potential loss by the U.S. also have broader implications. They highlight how infectious diseases can resurge even after successful elimination if vigilance wanes. This situation underscores the need for continued investment in public health infrastructure and international cooperation to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases from regaining