BREAKING: Canada has officially lost its measles-free status due to a year of ongoing transmission, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in a shocking announcement today. This troubling development raises urgent concerns as the U.S. could soon follow suit, with the country already grappling with a significant rise in measles cases.
The PAHO confirmed that the entire region of the Americas, which was declared free of measles in 2016, is now facing renewed challenges. This setback comes after extensive efforts over two decades to achieve elimination through widespread vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella. “This loss represents a setback—but it is also reversible,” stated PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa during a press briefing. He emphasized that Canada can regain its measles elimination status once the current outbreak is contained for at least 12 months.
Currently, Canada is not alone; active measles outbreaks are being reported in several countries, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay. In the United States, health experts are closely monitoring a troubling situation. In 2025, the U.S. has already recorded 1,681 measles cases, with the majority concentrated in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. An outbreak that began in late January has raised alarms, especially as health officials investigate potential links to outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah.
The implications are dire. The U.S. has been on shaky ground since a major outbreak in West Texas, and health experts warn that the situation could escalate quickly if vaccination efforts are not intensified. “We are working with PAHO and federal and local authorities to improve vaccination coverage, enhance surveillance, and provide evidence-based guidance,” Barbosa added.
This isn’t the first instance of the Americas losing its measles elimination status. The region previously faced similar challenges in 2018 and 2019, when Venezuela and Brazil temporarily lost their status due to significant outbreaks. Fortunately, the region was able to regain its measles-free designation in 2024—until now.
As vaccination campaigns ramp up to combat these outbreaks, the urgency for individuals and families to ensure their vaccinations is critical. Health experts stress that protecting communities through immunization is vital to prevent further loss of status and to safeguard public health.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. The health of countless individuals across the Americas hangs in the balance, and immediate action is essential to curb this rising threat.
