Canada Declares Multi-Jurisdictional Measles Outbreak Over After More Than 6,400 Cases
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced on October 19, 2026, that the measles outbreak spanning 10 provinces and territories since October 2024 has ended. The outbreak resulted in 6,417 linked cases and cost Canada its global measles elimination status in late 2025.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced on October 19, 2026, that the multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak is officially over, as more than two months have passed since the last linked case was reported. The outbreak began in October 2024 and ultimately affected 10 provinces and territories.
A total of 6,417 cases were linked to the outbreak, including 1,032 reported in 2026. Ontario recorded the highest number of cases with 2,390, followed by Alberta with 2,299 and Manitoba with 1,033. Most people who became ill during the outbreak had not been vaccinated against measles. Manitoba declared its own 20-month local outbreak over on October 16, 2026, following weeks without a confirmed case.
Because the outbreak strain continued to spread for more than 12 months, Canada lost its global measles elimination status in late 2025. Regaining that status requires interrupting transmission of the outbreak strain for at least 12 consecutive months.
Although the specific outbreak strain has been contained, PHAC notes that travel-related cases are expected to continue. Between October 4 and October 10, 2026, three new confirmed measles cases unrelated to the main outbreak were reported in Canada.