Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Canada declares two-year measles outbreak over after more than 6,400 cases
Canada has declared a two-year measles outbreak over after more than 6,400 people were infected across 10 provinces.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024.
Two infants infected before birth died after they were born, one in Ontario and one in Alberta.
After measles spread continuously for more than 12 months, Canada lost its measles elimination status about a year into the outbreak.
The outbreak ending does not mean measles is gone; the disease still circulates around the world, and officials expect further cases linked to travel.
Experts have connected measles’ return to lower vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy, distrust of authorities and disrupted routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health officials expect more travel-related cases, while the source gives no further timeline for Canada to regain elimination status.
Canada’s Public Health Agency declared a measles outbreak that lasted two years over.
More than 6,400 people were infected across 10 provinces.
Two infants in Ontario and Alberta who contracted measles in the womb died after they were born.
The outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and led Canada to lose its measles elimination status about a year later.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer said the declaration does not mean measles is gone.
- Who
- The Public Health Agency of Canada declared the outbreak over. More than 6,400 people were infected.
- What
- A measles outbreak that lasted two years was declared over.
- When
- The declaration was made on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The outbreak affected 10 provinces in Canada.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The outbreak began in New Brunswick.
Ongoing transmission for more than 12 months led Canada to lose its measles elimination status.
Alberta’s outbreak ended.
The Public Health Agency of Canada declared the outbreak over.
- Cases
- More than 6,400 people infected
- Provinces
- 10
- Outbreak began
- New Brunswick, October 2024
- Deaths
- Two infants in Ontario and Alberta who were infected in the womb died after birth
- Elimination status
- Canada lost it about a year after the outbreak began
What people are saying
Measles continues to circulate globally, and we can expect to see further travel-related cases here at home.