Cumulative measles cases in Canada surpass 5,000
WHO-affiliated agency confirms "over one year of continuous transmission"
"Measles-free" status for the Americas region also revoked
Canada has lost its status as a "measles-eliminated country" for the first time in 27 years. This is due to continued infections, particularly in areas with a high number of unvaccinated individuals, and the cumulative number of confirmed measles cases in Canada this year has surpassed 5,000.
On November 10 (local time), CNN reported, "The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has received notification from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO), that Canada has lost its measles elimination status."
According to Canadian health authorities, the spread of measles has continued locally since October of last year. While the Canadian government recently stated that the rate of increase has somewhat slowed, new infections are still being reported, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. As of last month, the cumulative number of confirmed measles cases in Canada stood at 5,000, more than double the total number of cases recorded over the past 25 years.
PHAC stated, "The Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Verification Commission (RVC) of PAHO reviewed epidemiological and laboratory data and confirmed that the same measles virus strain has been continuously transmitted for more than one year." The RVC is an independent expert body under the Pan American Health Organization established to analyze the spread of measles. Earlier this month, the group held a meeting and made recommendations regarding Canada’s status, with the final decision rendered by the PAHO Secretariat.
PHAC explained, "Canada can regain its measles elimination status if the current transmission is interrupted for at least 12 consecutive months," adding, "We are working in cooperation with national and regional health authorities to focus on curbing the spread."
Canada achieved measles elimination status in 1998. However, in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has become more widespread, causing the immunization rate to fall below the WHO-recommended threshold of 95%.
Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, said, "This loss of status is a setback, but it is reversible," and added, "The other 34 countries in the Americas still maintain their measles elimination status."
With the change in Canada’s status, the entire Americas region has also officially lost its "measles-free" status. Director Barbosa warned, "As long as measles has not been completely eradicated worldwide, there will always be a risk of reintroduction," and emphasized, "Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person capable of transmitting the virus to up to 18 others."
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