‘Not surprising’: Here’s what drove Canada’s lost measles-free status, says one expert

Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Dale Kalina Samji says it’s disappointing that Canada lost its measles-free status but explains why it is not surprising.

Canada has lost its official measles elimination status for the first time since 1998 as outbreaks in Ontario and Alberta drove infection rates to the highest levels in decades, according to one health expert.

Infectious disease specialist, Dr. Dale Kalina Samji, in an interview on CTV’s Your Morning Tuesday, cited low vaccine coverage and community mistrust as key reasons for the resurgence.

“We had two huge outbreaks that drove the number of cases that we had, particularly because they were in communities where their vaccine rates are very, very low. And with measles, which already spreads like wildfire, it really can take over,” Samji explained.

Measles is a highly contagious virus but also highly preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Tight-knit communities with little exposure to public health information became transmission hotspots, Samji added.

Certain religious and cultural groups, including Mennonite populations — where the first outbreak began on Oct. 27, 2024, after an international traveller from Thailand attended a wedding in New Brunswick and guests then returned to southwestern Ontario — and Amish populations, were disproportionately affected.

“We trust the people that you know and love more than strangers, and it’s always difficult in tight-knit communities such as those to be able to transmit information ... that’s what led to reduced rates of vaccines,” Samji said.

Earlier this year, the Pan American Health Organization — regional arm of the World Health Organization — withdrew Canada’s measles-free designation after the country reported more than 5,000 cases.

According to the latest federal measles report, in week 44, spanning from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 23 new measles cases were reported — bringing the total cases in 2025 up to 5,162.

Cases have been reported in every province, except for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Yukon.

The report also noted that two deaths have been reported in Canada — one from Alberta and one from Ontario — both of which occurred in congenital cases pre-term where a mother passes the measles infection to her baby during the final weeks of pregnancy.

According to a statement in March issued by Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, more than 90 per cent of the province’s cases were linked to unimmunized individuals.

“A majority of Ontario’s cases are concentrated in southwestern Ontario among unvaccinated people,” the statement read.

To reverse course, Samji stressed the need for tailored outreach and increased investment. “Realistically, funding to be able to support vaccine programs across the country are what’s required to help us regain that elimination status,” he emphasized.

Samji also urged public health officials to develop programs in different languages to build a level of trust between physicians, public health and a variety of communities.