How Canada Became the Centre of a Measles Outbreak in North America
In 2025, Canada has found itself at the centre of North America’s worst measles outbreak in decades, raising alarms for parents, health workers, and policymakers. With over 3,800 confirmed cases, mostly among children and infants, Canada’s outbreak numbers are nearly three times higher than those in the United States, despite its smaller population.
This resurgence of measles—a disease many assumed was eradicated—has sparked urgent debates around vaccination, misinformation, and the vulnerability of communities across the country.
How It Started: A Mother’s Story
For Morgan Birch in Alberta, it began when her four-month-old daughter, Kimie, developed a fever and rash. Initially, Morgan thought it was a mild reaction to immunisations or possibly chickenpox. It was only when her grandmother recognised the symptoms as measles that the severity of the situation became clear.
Lab tests later confirmed that Kimie had contracted measles, likely during a routine hospital visit in Edmonton. At just four months old, Kimie was too young to have received the measles vaccine, which is typically administered at 12 months.
Kimie is now recovering, but her mother remains deeply concerned about the circumstances that led to her daughter’s illness, calling on others to get vaccinated to protect those who cannot yet be immunised.
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Canada’s Measles Surge: The Numbers
Canada’s outbreak in 2025 is the worst since measles was declared eliminated in the country in 1998. Before this year, the last significant peak was in 2011, with around 750 cases. This year, infections have surpassed 3,800.
The hardest-hit provinces include Alberta and Ontario, with Alberta recording the highest per capita spread rate in North America.
According to CDC data, Canada is the only Western country among the top 10 for measles outbreaks globally, currently ranking eighth.
Why Is Measles Spreading Faster in Canada?
Several factors have contributed to the rapid spread of measles in Canada:
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Vaccine Hesitancy
Experts, including Janna Shapiro from the University of Toronto, have highlighted declining vaccination rates as a primary reason. Data from Alberta shows MMR vaccine administration dropped by nearly half between 2019 and 2024.
The Covid-19 pandemic fuelled vaccine hesitancy, with misinformation spreading rapidly and leading to a broader distrust of vaccinations beyond Covid-19. Some parents delayed routine immunisations, underestimating the threat of measles.
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Community Clusters with Low Vaccination Rates
In Ontario, the outbreak was traced back to a Mennonite gathering, with the illness spreading primarily in Low German-speaking Mennonite communities in southwestern regions where vaccination rates have historically been lower due to religious or cultural beliefs.
Healthcare worker Catalina Friesen noted that anti-vaccine misinformation has penetrated even these communities, amplifying fears and hesitancy around immunisations.
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Delayed Immunisations Post-Pandemic
Routine childhood immunisations were disrupted during the pandemic, leaving many children unprotected. As measles requires a high level of community immunity to prevent outbreaks, even small drops in vaccination rates can lead to rapid spread.
Alberta Emerges as a Hotspot
In Alberta, the spread was so rapid that health officials struggled to identify the outbreak’s exact source. Dr Vivien Suttorp, a medical officer in southern Alberta, described it as the worst measles outbreak she had seen in her 18 years in public health.
In response, Alberta lowered the eligible age for the MMR vaccine, which has led to an increase in vaccinations. However, health officials continue to warn that the outbreak will persist unless vaccination rates improve significantly.
The Danger of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. It spreads easily in communities with low vaccination rates, requiring over 90% vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is 97% effective but requires timely administration to build immunity across populations.
Calls for Action
Health units across Canada have increased efforts to promote vaccination through radio campaigns and public bulletins. However, the urgency seen during the Covid-19 vaccine campaigns has not been fully replicated, and misinformation continues to hinder progress.
Morgan Birch’s plea reflects the frustration of many parents:
“My four-month-old shouldn’t have gotten measles in 2025.”
She urges communities to follow public health guidelines and vaccinate to protect vulnerable individuals who cannot yet receive the vaccine.
FAQs
Why is Canada seeing a measles outbreak in 2025?
Due to declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation post-pandemic.
How many measles cases have been reported in Canada in 2025?
Over 3,800 confirmed cases, mostly among children and infants.
Which provinces are most affected by the outbreak?
Alberta and Ontario, followed by Manitoba.
Why are Mennonite communities mentioned in the outbreak?
Lower vaccination rates in some communities led to rapid spread after initial exposure.
What is the typical age for the measles vaccine in Canada?
The first MMR dose is given at 12 months, with Alberta lowering the age amid the outbreak.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
It is 97% effective in preventing measles.
What are the dangers of measles?
It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.
Why has vaccine hesitancy increased in Canada?
Covid-19 misinformation and distrust in healthcare systems have led to hesitancy.
Is Canada the only Western country in the top 10 for measles outbreaks?
Yes, according to CDC data, Canada ranks eighth globally.
What is needed to stop the measles outbreak in Canada?
Increasing vaccination rates to build community immunity.
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