Multi-jurisdictional Measles Outbreak is Over

Multi-jurisdictional Measles Outbreak is Over

October 19, 2026 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

In partnership with provincial and territorial public health officials, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced today that the multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak is over as more than two months have passed since the last case linked to the outbreak was reported.

The outbreak began in October 2024 and resulted in more than 6,400 cases across 10 provinces and territories. Most people who became ill had not been vaccinated against measles. Because the outbreak strain continued to spread for more than 12 months, Canada lost its global measles elimination status in late 2025.

Responding to the outbreak required close cooperation across federal, provincial, territorial, and local public health systems. Preventing and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases is a shared responsibility, and all levels of government responsible for public health worked together to manage the outbreak.

Throughout the outbreak, provinces and territories led public health measures to limit the spread of measles, with support from PHAC. These measures included identifying cases and contacts, improving disease monitoring and reporting, conducting laboratory testing, working with communities, and increasing access to vaccination. PHAC provided national coordination, technical advice, disease surveillance, and laboratory expertise. The Government of Canada also supported the response through vaccine regulation and procurement as well as emergency preparedness activities. Together, these efforts supported a coordinated response, enabled timely decision-making, and helped reduce the risk of further transmission.

Although this outbreak has ended, measles continues to spread in many parts of the world and travel-related cases are expected to continue occurring in Canada.