The Decibel
Measles is now spreading across Canada. What’s being done?
May 12, 2025
André Picard, a health columnist for The Globe and Mail, discusses the alarming resurgence of measles in Canada, highlighting a spike in cases from 370 to 1,440 in Ontario. He points to declining vaccination rates, with only about 70% of children under 7 fully vaccinated. Picard critiques the public health response and emphasizes the strain on health systems. He also tackles vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, urging for better communication to improve community vaccination efforts and protect public health.
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Quick takeaways
- The surge in measles cases in Canada, once eliminated, highlights a critical decline in vaccination rates, particularly under 70% in Ontario.
- Vaccination hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and inadequate public health strategies, poses significant challenges in combatting the ongoing outbreaks.
Deep dives
Rising Measles Cases in Canada
Canada is experiencing a significant increase in measles cases, with recent reports indicating 1,440 cases in Ontario alone and additional outbreaks in provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan. Historically, measles was considered eliminated in Canada as of 1998, but this resurgence is alarming health officials. The disease spreads rapidly and can linger in the air for hours, posing serious health risks, especially to children who may contract pneumonia or other complications. Tracking the origins of these outbreaks reveals a concerning trend of spread within specific communities, notably linked to gatherings in Mennonite and ultra-orthodox populations.
