What's happened
Recent measles outbreaks in the US and Canada, linked to ongoing transmission since early 2025, have caused both countries to lose their WHO elimination status. The outbreaks are driven by low vaccination rates and community resistance, with authorities warning that the virus may continue spreading into 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The resurgence of measles in North America underscores the fragility of elimination efforts amid rising vaccine skepticism. The outbreaks reveal how misinformation, political interference, and community resistance undermine public health achievements. The continued circulation of the virus, especially in under-vaccinated pockets, will likely result in further outbreaks into 2026, risking the loss of regional elimination status. Authorities must prioritize rebuilding trust, increasing vaccination coverage, and addressing misinformation to prevent a full return to endemic measles. The situation also highlights the importance of regional cooperation and sustained public health efforts to contain highly infectious diseases.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the outbreaks began in Texas and spread to neighboring states, with officials warning that if the virus isn't contained by January 2026, the US will lose its elimination status. Ars Technica highlights the link between the outbreaks and the same measles subtype, emphasizing the ongoing circulation for nearly 10 months. Multiple articles, including those from PAHO and Reuters, detail how vaccine hesitancy, political barriers, and community resistance—particularly among Mennonite groups—have contributed to the resurgence. The coverage contrasts official warnings with community-level challenges, illustrating the complex factors behind the outbreaks and the regional health response.
How we got here
Both Canada and the US previously achieved measles elimination through extensive vaccination campaigns, requiring 12 months without local transmission. However, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and political barriers have led to declining immunization rates, especially in communities like Mennonites and under-vaccinated regions, allowing the virus to spread again. The outbreaks began in early 2024 and have persisted, with Canada logging over 5,000 cases and the US experiencing its worst outbreak in over 30 years.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Did Canada Lose Its Measles Elimination Status?
Canada's recent measles outbreak has raised concerns about public health and vaccination efforts. After over a year of persistent cases, the country has lost its WHO measles elimination status. Many wonder what caused this setback, how serious the situation is now, and what it means for Canadians moving forward. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this development and answer common questions about the outbreak and its implications.
-
Why Did Canada Lose Its Measles Elimination Status?
Canada's recent loss of measles elimination status has raised concerns about public health and vaccination efforts. This setback is linked to ongoing outbreaks driven by low vaccination rates, misinformation, and vaccine hesitancy. Many wonder what this means for Canada's health system and how authorities are responding. Below, we explore the reasons behind this development and what it signifies for the future of disease control in Canada.
-
Why Did Canada Lose Its Measles Elimination Status?
Canada's recent loss of its measles elimination status has raised concerns worldwide. The outbreak, driven by low vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy, highlights the fragility of disease eradication efforts. Many wonder what factors contributed to this setback and what it means for public health. Below, we explore the reasons behind Canada's situation and what other countries can learn from it.
-
What Do Today’s News Stories Say About Global Stability?
Today's headlines reveal a complex picture of our world, highlighting issues from health crises and political tensions to conflicts and policy shifts. Understanding these stories can help you grasp the bigger picture of global stability and what might come next. Below, we explore key questions that shed light on current international trends and challenges.
-
Why Did the US and Canada Lose Their Measles Elimination Status?
Recent measles outbreaks in North America have raised concerns about the region's health status. Despite previous success in eliminating measles, both the US and Canada have seen their elimination status revoked due to ongoing transmission. This situation prompts questions about what caused this setback, how vaccination rates are changing, and what risks remain. Below, we explore the key factors behind the resurgence and what it means for public health moving forward.
-
Why Are Measles Outbreaks Still Happening in the US and Canada?
Recent measles outbreaks in North America have raised concerns about the resurgence of this highly contagious disease. Despite previous efforts to eliminate measles, low vaccination rates and community resistance are fueling new cases. Many people are asking why these outbreaks are still happening and what can be done to stop them. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this health crisis and what it means for public health moving forward.
More on these topics
-
Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
-
Measles (probably from Middle Dutch or Middle High German masel(e), meaning "blemish, blood blister") is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus. Other names include morbilli, rubeola, 9-day measles, red measles
-
The Pan American Health Organization is an international public health agency working to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas.
-
The Public Health Agency of Canada is an agency of the Government of Canada that is responsible for public health, emergency preparedness and response, and infectious and chronic disease control and prevention.
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving since 2025 as the 26th United States secretary of healt
-
Ontario is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. Located in Central Canada, it is Canada's most populous province, with 38.3 percent of the country's population, and is the second-largest province in total area.
-
Alberta is a province of Canada. With an estimated population of 4,067,175 people as of the 2016 census, it is Canada's fourth most populous province and the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces. Its area is about 660,000 square kilometres.