The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced Monday, in partnership with provincial and territorial health officials, that a measles outbreak had ended, though Canada has yet to regain measles elimination status.
Canada lost its global elimination designation in late 2025 because the outbreak strain had circulated for more than a year. PHAC said the designation can be restored once transmission of that strain has stopped for at least 12 consecutive months. Declaring the outbreak over does not meet that requirement on its own.
Since October 2024, the outbreak has resulted in more than 6,400 cases in 10 provinces and territories. The last case tied to it was reported more than two months ago. PHAC said most of those who became ill were unvaccinated against measles.
People with measles can spread the virus through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. PHAC said the illness can cause serious complications, especially for infants, young children, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. Two doses of a vaccine containing measles protection offer strong protection against infection, the agency said.
Provincial and territorial authorities led efforts to find cases and contacts, perform laboratory tests and improve disease reporting. They also worked with communities and expanded access to vaccination. PHAC coordinated the response nationally and supplied technical advice, surveillance and laboratory expertise. Federal support included vaccine regulation and procurement, along with emergency preparedness work.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel said efforts to increase vaccination rates would continue. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer said further travel-related cases could be expected because measles continues to circulate elsewhere in the world.
PHAC said it will continue monitoring measles with provincial and territorial authorities, health care providers, partners in Canada and abroad, and the Pan American Health Organization.
