As measles spreads rapidly across North America, public health officials are sounding the alarm over rising infections — and mounting fatalities — in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Infants and Children Among the Victims

In a heartbreaking case out of Ontario, Canada, health officials confirmed this week that a premature infant has died after contracting measles in utero. The baby’s mother had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and doctors say the infection may have contributed to the premature birth and death, though other unrelated health complications were also involved.

South of the border, Mexico has reported four measles-related deaths in 2025. The United States has seen three fatalities so far this year: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico — all unvaccinated.

A Resurgence Not Seen in Decades

Health authorities are grappling with the largest measles outbreaks in decades. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Mexico has recorded over 1,500 cases, while Canada has already surpassed all combined totals from the past 27 years with at least 2,755 cases, the majority in Ontario.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has logged at least 1,168 cases in 2025, according to federal data released Friday. Nearly 80% of these are tied to an outbreak that began in West Texas and has since spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Canada. It’s the second-highest case count in the U.S. since measles was officially declared eliminated in 2000.

Why Is This Happening?

The World Health Organization has declared the measles threat across the Americas as “high,” largely due to low vaccination rates.

Many outbreaks have been centered in Mennonite communities, which often have lower immunization coverage due to limited interaction with mainstream healthcare systems. In Mexico, the outbreak began in Chihuahua, home to a large Mennonite population, and closely connected to similar communities in Texas and Canada.

However, officials from PAHO clarified during a recent briefing that while the outbreaks originated in similar communities, most of the ongoing spread is now happening in the general population.

No Clear Genetic Link — Yet

Despite the cross-border spread, health experts caution that there’s currently no confirmed genetic evidence directly linking outbreaks across the three countries. Only a small portion of cases have had their viral genomes sequenced, making it difficult to track precise transmission chains.

Travel Warnings and Vaccine Urgency

With international travel amplifying the risk of spread, Mexico issued a travel advisory in April for those heading to the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also updated its guidance, urging anyone planning international travel to ensure they’ve received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Ontario’s chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, reinforced this message Thursday, particularly for those who may become pregnant:

“Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk, and I urge everyone — especially those who may become pregnant — to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby. This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 percent protection.”

Source: CNN – As measles spreads across the Americas, outbreaks in Mexico and Canada have also turned deadly

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The Battle Against Measles: Then and Now

Six years ago, the United States faced its worst measles outbreaks in decades. Two communities in New York—Brooklyn and Rockland County—were at the center of this crisis, bringing the country dangerously close to losing its measles elimination status, which had been achieved in 2000.

Today, similar outbreaks are unfolding in West Texas and New Mexico, prompting urgent action. Testing sites and vaccine clinics have been set up, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stepped in to assist. However, local health officials warn that the spread could continue for months.

A Coordinated Response in 2019

The 2019 measles outbreaks in New York were met with swift and sustained public health efforts. These responses were tailored to the affected communities, combining direct engagement with formal policy changes. Experts emphasize that this comprehensive approach is crucial for containing current and future outbreaks.

The Power of Vaccination

The outbreaks in New York were concentrated in Orthodox Jewish communities that had been exposed to years of anti-vaccine disinformation. Public health officials focused on building trust within these communities to encourage vaccinations—the most effective tool against measles.

“Vaccination is the most important way to prevent the devastating disease that measles can be,” said Dr. Neil Vora, executive director of Preventing Pandemics at the Source.

The measles vaccine is highly effective—two doses provide 97% protection—and long-lasting. Because measles is extremely contagious, a 95% vaccination rate is needed to prevent outbreaks.

During the 2019 outbreak, more than 200,000 doses were administered in New York City and 30,000 in Rockland County, significantly boosting immunization rates. However, overcoming vaccine hesitancy took time.

Dr. Oxiris Barbot, former New York City health commissioner, noted that the persistence of disinformation made it difficult to achieve rapid vaccination rates. “That’s why it’s so important to rely on trusted messengers,” she emphasized.

New York City’s strong vaccine registry played a key role in identifying at-risk individuals and streamlining vaccination efforts. Other regions facing outbreaks may struggle due to limited resources.

Reaching Communities One Household at a Time

Public health workers took an individualized approach, going door-to-door and answering vaccination concerns directly. In some cases, people were vaccinated discreetly to avoid social backlash.

This hands-on effort helped curb the outbreak. A retrospective study found that New York City’s vaccination campaigns prevented a much larger crisis—potentially 8,100 cases instead of the reported 649.

The Danger of Misinformation and Community Transmission

While increasing vaccination rates was crucial, other factors also played a role. Some community-organized “measles parties,” intended to spread the virus deliberately, accelerated transmission. Infants were particularly vulnerable, as they were too young to be vaccinated.

By late 2018, more than half of infants in affected communities were susceptible to measles, along with a quarter of children aged 1-4. Although vaccination campaigns initially slowed the outbreak, by early 2019, transmission rates spiked, likely due to increased close-contact exposure among children.

Policy and Emergency Declarations

In April 2019, New York City and Rockland County declared a state of emergency. These declarations provided essential resources for outbreak control and reinforced public health mandates.

However, formal policies were only part of the solution. Trusted community leaders played a critical role in dispelling misinformation and encouraging vaccination. Dr. Blima Marcus, a nurse practitioner and member of the Orthodox Jewish community, developed culturally tailored informational materials, reaching thousands of households.

“The only thing that can truly help is when a community mobilizes from within,” Marcus said. “Knocking on doors—literally and figuratively—helps change the narrative.”

Comparing Past and Present Outbreaks

By the time the 2019 outbreaks ended, Rockland County had reported 312 cases and New York City 649. Fortunately, no deaths occurred.

The current outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, however, have already resulted in nearly 230 cases and two deaths. Much of the spread is occurring within a Mennonite community, which, like the Orthodox Jewish communities in New York, faces vaccine hesitancy challenges.

Marcus stressed that cultural competence is key to public health outreach. “People resist being told what to do by outsiders who don’t understand their beliefs,” she explained.

Looking Forward

The lessons from the 2019 outbreaks highlight the need for proactive, community-centered strategies. Vaccination remains the strongest defense against measles, but public health efforts must also address misinformation and cultural concerns.

As the current outbreaks evolve, an all-hands-on-deck approach—combining medical expertise, community engagement, and policy support—will be essential to containing the spread and protecting vulnerable populations.

Source

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