Canada has lost its measles “elimination” status after nearly 30 years due to a significant outbreak that began in October, affecting multiple provinces and resulting in 5,000 cases and two infant deaths. Public health officials attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy stemming from misinformation and the COVID-19 pandemic. To regain its status, Canada must interrupt the transmission of the current measles strain for at least 12 months. Experts emphasize the importance of achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage to maintain herd immunity against measles.
