Canada Reports Highest North American Measles Cases Amid Provincial Outbreaks

Measles cases have surged significantly across North America and the UK in 2025, driven largely by declining vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy among specific communities. In British Columbia, Canada, the Northern Health region has reported 83 confirmed measles cases this year, with a total of 122 cases across the province, as health officials urge vaccination and self-isolation for exposed individuals. Canada as a whole is experiencing a major outbreak with 3,822 cases, nearly triple the U.S. total, largely concentrated in unvaccinated populations such as the Mennonite community and spreading notably in provinces like Alberta and Ontario. In the UK, London boroughs Hackney and Newham have some of the highest measles rates, with a strong focus on vaccinating young children to prevent further spread, especially after a child’s death in Liverpool prompted government warnings. Public health campaigns in England emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine to combat the highly infectious disease, which can cause severe complications including brain swelling and death. Experts highlight that vaccine hesitancy, cultural factors, and the erosion of trust in government following pandemic restrictions are key challenges hampering efforts to control the outbreaks in both Canada and the UK.