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This week, Canada lost its measles elimination status, and as a result, the “Americas” region overall no longer has its verified elimination status as designated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The Americas first gained measles-free status in 2016, lost it 2 years later, and then re-established the elimination status in 2024. As of November 7, 2025, reports show 12,596 confirmed measles cases in 10 of the region’s countries with 28 deaths (23 in Mexico, 3 in the United States, and 2 in Canada). PAHO says 89% of cases are occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, and children under 1 year of age are the most affected.
High case numbers: Canada’s measles outbreak began in October of last year, now reaching more than 5,000 confirmed cases. As of November 12, 2025, a total of 1,723 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States so far this year with 12% of cases associated with hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. measles cases are at a 33-year high, and like Canada, the nation could also see its elimination status disappear.