Key Takeaways

• The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling for a federal and provincial examination of how the health system handles measles outbreaks.
• Canada was declared measles-free in 1998, but the current outbreak has seen over 5,000 cases recorded, including two deaths.
• The CMA believes that the health system needs to improve its data collection and tracking of vaccination rates to better contain future outbreaks.
• A national registry of vaccine coverage is needed to provide a accurate depiction of national immunity.
• The federal government is increasing funding to combat misinformation around measles vaccines.

Introduction to the Measles Outbreak
The current measles outbreak in Canada has sparked concerns about the country’s ability to handle the highly contagious virus. The head of the Canadian Medical Association, Margot Burnell, is calling for a federal and provincial examination of how the health system handles measles outbreaks. This comes after the Pan American Health Organization stripped Canada of its measles-free status in November. The current outbreak, which began in late 2024, has seen over 5,000 cases recorded, including two deaths. The outbreak has highlighted weaknesses in the health system, including poor data collection and tracking of vaccination rates.

The History of Measles in Canada
Canada was declared measles-free in 1998 after widespread vaccination campaigns halted circulation of the virus inside the country. However, the current outbreak has seen high levels of local transmission, with the virus spreading across the country and finding immunity gaps in the broader population. The outbreak began when a visitor from Thailand attended a wedding in New Brunswick, and has since spread to other parts of the country. The virus can cause serious health problems, including deafness and blindness, and has been known to attack the immune systems of its victims.

Weaknesses in the Health System
The Canadian Medical Association has identified several weaknesses in the health system that have contributed to the current outbreak. These include poor data collection and tracking of vaccination rates, as well as a lack of co-operation among provinces. The association is calling for a national registry of vaccine coverage to provide a accurate depiction of national immunity. The federal government has also acknowledged the need for improved data collection, and is increasing funding to combat misinformation around measles vaccines.

The Need for Improved Data Collection
The need for improved data collection on vaccination rates is a key area of concern. The current system relies on estimates and surveys, which can be unreliable. A national registry of vaccine coverage would provide a more accurate picture of national immunity, and would help to identify areas where vaccination rates are slipping. The Canadian Medical Association believes that this is essential for preventing future outbreaks, and is calling for the federal and provincial governments to work together to establish such a registry.

The Impact of Misinformation
Misinformation around measles vaccines has also been identified as a major contributor to the current outbreak. The Canadian Medical Association has found that 78% of respondents in a survey were either highly or moderately susceptible to believing false health information, while 37% look for advice online because they lack access to a doctor. The association has linked this to Canada losing its measles-elimination status in November. The federal government is increasing funding to combat misinformation around measles vaccines, and has launched a measles-awareness campaign to inform Canadians about the importance of vaccination.

Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the current measles outbreak in Canada has highlighted weaknesses in the health system, including poor data collection and tracking of vaccination rates, as well as a lack of co-operation among provinces. The Canadian Medical Association is calling for a federal and provincial examination of how the health system handles measles outbreaks, and is advocating for a national registry of vaccine coverage to provide a accurate depiction of national immunity. The federal government has acknowledged the need for improved data collection, and is increasing funding to combat misinformation around measles vaccines. It is essential that the federal and provincial governments work together to address these weaknesses and prevent future outbreaks.