**How Canada Became the Centre of a Measles Outbreak in North America**
Recently, Canada has emerged as an alarming hotspot for measles, with the country witnessing a significant outbreak that has drawn attention and concern across North America. As health officials scramble to understand and contain this resurgence, grim statistics highlight a crisis that was thought to be vanquished. This article delves into the factors leading to Canada’s unprecedented situation in measles occurrences, exploring the origins, societal implications, and possible solutions as we navigate through this public health challenge.
In 2025, Canada reported over 3,800 measles cases, predominantly affecting children and infants. This figure represents an astounding increase compared to previous years, showcasing a surge nearly three times higher than the tally recorded in the United States, despite its greater population. These statistics position Canada among the top ten countries globally for measles outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it ranks eighth regarding the per capita spread of the virus. Among the provinces, Alberta has emerged as the epicenter, registering the highest incidence rate in North America.
Such escalating numbers raise critical inquiries regarding the effectiveness of public health measures and the ongoing battle against vaccine hesitancy. In the United States, prominent anti-vaccine movements, bolstered by public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have contributed to the increasing number of cases. However, in Canada, experts suggest that the narrative may be more complex. Maxwell Smith, a public health fellow from Western University, pointed out that while no singular influential figure mirrors RFK Jr., the cultural context in Canada poses various challenges and nuances regarding vaccination beliefs and practices.
The measles outbreak is not confined to Canadian borders alone; it’s part of a broader trend whereby cases have surged across North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom. According to reports, the U.S. has experienced its highest number of measles cases in over three decades this year, while England noted a surge of nearly 3,000 confirmed infections in 2024—the highest figure since 2012. Canada’s statistics mirror these trends, with authorities alarmed by the resurgence of a virus once considered eradicated since the year 1998. The last significant peak in Canada occurred in 2011, when approximately 750 cases were documented.
To combat this contagious disease, the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine stands as the frontline defender, offering over 97% efficacy in preventing measles. The stark reality is that low vaccination rates have facilitated the ease of the virus’s spread. Hence, experts like Dr. Janna Shapiro from the University of Toronto underscore the urgency of amplifying vaccination uptake as the solution. Without it, communities remain vulnerable and outbreaks like the one we’re witnessing will continue to evolve.
The outbreak primarily traces back to regions such as Ontario and Albert, with a series of events beginning in late 2024 when measles was contracted during a large Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick. The Mennonites, a conservative Christian group with a mixed approach to modern living, have shown varied acceptance of vaccinations. In particular, the Low German-speaking Mennonite communities in Ontario and Alberta displayed historically lower vaccination rates, often influenced by deeply engrained religious and cultural beliefs against immunization.
Healthcare workers such as Catalina Friesen, who operates mobile clinics in these Mennonite populations, have reported firsthand cases of measles, revealing a concerning trend in misinformation regarding vaccinations spurred by distrust in the healthcare system. In a society where some community members fear the implications of vaccines, a notable atmosphere of skepticism has taken root, particularly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts are now recognizing that many Canadians are underreporting cases, which could drastically change the perceived scope of the outbreak. Vaccine hesitancy is growing in Canada, particularly since pandemic measures have left several individuals behind on crucial annual immunizations. Notably, vaccination rates of the MMR vaccine in regions like southern Alberta have declined by nearly 50% between 2019 and 2024.
Public health units have launched various initiatives aimed at encouraging vaccinations, but responses remain tepid compared to enthusiastic messages during the COVID-19 pandemic. The spike of anti-vaccine sentiment, exacerbated by historical challenges, will take concerted efforts to alter. Families pushed into vaccine hesitance must heed the lessons learned from outbreaks like this one, as parents like Morgan Birch, whose four-month-old daughter Kimie contracted measles, advocate for the importance of vaccinations in protecting the vulnerable. Birch expressed her profound sadness and frustration, urging the community to follow public health guidelines and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
As Canada grapples with this troubling health crisis, it underscores not only the need for increased vaccination efforts but also a societal commitment to shifting the narrative surrounding immunization within various cultural backgrounds. Looking forward, collaboration between health authorities, communities, and education initiatives will be pivotal in preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health for all
