In November 2025, Canada lost its Measles Elimination Status after the virus had circulated for at least 12 months. As a consequence, the Americas, the only measles free WHO region, also lost its measles elimination status.
In 2016, the Americas were declared measles free.
In 2018, Venezuela lost its measles elimination status.
In 2019, Brazil lost its measles elimination status.
In 2024, the region regained its measles elimination status.
"As of 7 November 2025, 12,596 confirmed measles cases have been reported across ten countries (approximately 95% of the RegionâÂÂs cases in Canada, Mexico and US), a 30-fold increase compared to 2024."
In 1998, Canada was declared measles free.
In 2025, the virus had spread across every province (except Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as to the Northwest Territories with cases largely in Alberta and Ontario.