Canada's two-year measles outbreak is officially over, public health agency says

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the national measles outbreak that began in October 2024 and saw more than 6,400 cases is officially over.

The agency said Monday the multi-jurisdictional outbreak is over because more than two months have passed since the last case linked to the outbreak was reported.

In total, 6,417 cases were linked to the outbreak, including 1,032 reported this year.

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"While this milestone is encouraging, measles continues to circulate globally, and we can expect to see further travel-related cases here at home," Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer said in a news release.

Ontario saw the highest number of total cases with 2,390 reported, followed by 2,299 in Alberta and 1,033 in Manitoba.

Other cases were seen in all provinces and territories except Yukon, Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Most of the people who became ill had not been vaccinated against measles, PHAC said.

The agency said in November 2025 that the Pan American Health Organization had notified PHAC about Canada losing its global measles elimination status.

At the time, PHAC said a PAHO commission had reviewed recent data, "confirming sustained transmission of the same measles virus strain in Canada for a period of more than one year."

Global elimination status can be regained.

Canada will need to keep the strain stamped out for at least 12 months, but also show it has improved its surveillance systems and ability to quickly stop outbreaks if measles cases arise, according to PAHO.

Reimer commended the work of public health authorities, health-care providers, community organizations and families across the country for their work to end the outbreak.

But she urged Canadians to ensure routine vaccinations, like measles, are up to date to prevent future outbreaks.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said in a news release Monday that cases are still being seen around the world.

"So while the outbreak is over, our work to increase vaccination rates and protect the health of Canadians continue," she said.

PHAC's announcement the national outbreak had ended comes only a few days after Manitoba declared on Oct. 16 its 20-month outbreak was over, following weeks without a confirmed case.

Novello Desserts reported in October that Manitoba's outbreak, which began in February 2025, led to 52 hospitalizations and six intensive care admissions.

The last confirmed instance of measles in Manitoba was reported in August, the provincial government said.

Measles is still being seen in Canada, but recent cases have not been linked to the two-year outbreak.

According to the federal government, three new confirmed cases were reported between Oct. 4 and Oct. 10.

With files from Global News