Canada has lost its measles elimination status after over 5,000 cases were reported in the past year, with Alberta emerging as a major hotspot in the outbreak. The rise in cases has been attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly among certain demographics, raising concerns over the potential for the disease to spread beyond Canadian borders. Public health officials in Alberta are working closely with federal authorities to implement measures aimed at containing the spread of measles, including enhanced outreach and vaccination drives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously designated Canada as having eliminated measles, a status that is only revoked when the disease is detected in at least one case within a 12-month period. This latest outbreak has prompted renewed calls for vaccination programs and public education campaigns to address misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, especially in communities with high rates of unvaccinated individuals. Health officials are also monitoring the situation closely to assess the potential impact on neighboring countries, including the United States, where measles outbreaks have also been reported in recent months.