Measles Cases Surge Across US, Canada, East Asia, Pacific Raising Eradication Concerns

Measles outbreaks are surging globally, with notable increases in cases in the Philippines, the United States, and Canada, raising concerns about a resurgence of this highly contagious disease. The Philippines reported over 2,000 measles-rubella cases as of May, with vaccination coverage alarmingly low at just 64.85 percent, far below the WHO's recommended 95 percent, prompting warnings from the WHO about a dangerous comeback in East Asia and the Pacific. In the US, 1,046 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 30 states so far this year, including significant outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, with some deaths and hospitalizations noted. Canada faces a risk of losing its measles elimination status due to a large outbreak with over 2,100 cases recorded this year, attributed partly to declining vaccination rates from 90 percent to 83 percent between 2019 and 2023. Despite past global commitments to eliminate measles by 2030, recurring outbreaks highlight a lack of sufficient global eradication efforts, underscoring the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage and public health responses worldwide.