What is the current measles situation in Canada?

Canada has lost its measles elimination status after more than a year of ongoing outbreaks, reporting 5,138 measles cases and 2 deaths so far in 2025.

How is the measles outbreak affecting the United States?

The U.S. is reporting its worst year for measles in over 3 decades, with 1,681 cases and 44 outbreaks confirmed so far in 2025, putting the country's elimination status under threat.

What role are Mennonite communities playing in the measles resurgence?

Genetic testing has shown that the measles strains circulating in Canada, Texas, and Mexico's Chihuahua state are closely related, affecting Mennonite populations that have migrated across the region over generations. Mennonite communities have historically low vaccination rates and deep distrust of government health programs.

Home / Health / Measles Resurgence Across the Americas Threatens U.S. Elimination Status

Measles Resurgence Across the Americas Threatens U.S. Elimination Status

10 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Canada loses measles-free status after over a year of outbreaks
U.S. reports 1,681 measles cases and 44 outbreaks so far in 2025
Measles spreading in Mennonite communities across North and South America

Measles Resurgence Across the Americas Threatens U.S. Elimination Status

As of November 10th, 2025, Canada has lost its measles elimination status, becoming the latest warning sign for public health officials in the United States. The Pan American Health Organization determined that measles has circulated continuously in parts of Canada for at least 12 months, the threshold for losing the coveted elimination designation that Canada had held since 1998.

This development has raised alarms about the United States' own measles elimination status, which it achieved in 2000 but is now under threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,681 measles cases and 44 outbreaks across the country so far this year, with only 9 states remaining unaffected.