Measles Cases Surge Across the Americas, Canada Reports Highest Continental Numbers
Table of Contents
A dramatic rise in measles cases is sweeping across North and South America, with Canada experiencing the highest number of infections on the continent. The Pan American Health Association (PAHO) is urging countries to bolster routine immunization efforts and implement targeted vaccination campaigns to combat the escalating outbreak.
As of August 8, 2025, PAHO recorded 10,139 confirmed measles cases across ten countries – a staggering 33-fold increase compared to the 311 cases reported during the same period in 2024. This exponential growth underscores the urgent need for preventative measures.
Canada Leads Outbreak, Vaccination Rates Lag
Canada is currently at the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 4,548 of the confirmed cases. The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario are experiencing especially high infection rates. According to PAHO, the primary driver of this surge is declining vaccination rates.
“low vaccination rates are primarily to blame,” a PAHO spokesperson stated. The United States and Mexico are also grappling with significant outbreaks over the past year, contributing to the widespread regional concern.
Regional Vaccination Coverage Falls Short
Current vaccine coverage rates in the americas stand at 79 percent for the two doses required for full protection. This falls significantly short of the 95 percent threshold recommended by health experts to prevent outbreaks.The shortfall in coverage is creating vulnerabilities and allowing the virus to spread rapidly.
The consequences of this outbreak are already devastating. PAHO data reveals that 18 individuals have died consequently of measles: 14 in Mexico, three in the United States, and a newborn in Canada.
Vulnerable Communities Face Disproportionate Risk
Outbreaks have been particularly concentrated within Mennonite communities, though recent data indicates a growing number of cases are now appearing outside of these groups.In Mexico, a mass vaccination campaign is currently underway in chihuahua, where the majority of the country’s 3,911 infections have been identified.
A particularly alarming trend is the disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities. According to PAHO’s report, the case-fatality rate within these communities is 20 times higher than in the general population, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions.
The United States has reported outbreaks across 41 jurisdictions, totaling 1,356 cases.
A PAHO spokesperson cautioned, “It’s important to note that these numbers are dynamic and may change as countries continue to update their case counts.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 15, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
Why is this happening? The surge in measles cases across the Americas is primarily due to declining vaccination rates, falling short of the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity. This has created vulnerabilities allowing the highly contagious virus to spread rapidly.
Who is affected? The outbreak is impacting multiple countries, with Canada reporting the highest number of cases (4,548 as of August 8, 2025). Vulnerable communities, including Mennonite and Indigenous populations, are experiencing disproportionately higher infection and fatality rates.
What is being done? The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries to strengthen routine immunization programs and implement targeted vaccination campaigns. mexico is currently conducting a mass vaccination campaign in Chihuahua, where a significant portion of
