Why is measles spreading in Canada, Mexico and the US?

Measles, a highly contagious disease that can be avoided, is returning alarmingly to North America. New outbreaks are now being reported in parts of Canada, Mexico, and a few states in the United States, where the disease was nearly eradicated. So, why is measles returning to these nations?

A decrease in the number of routine vaccines given to children is the primary factor contributing to the spread of measles. Authorities in the health field have stated that vaccination rates in some communities have fallen below the 95 percent threshold that is required for "herd immunity," or the level that is required to stop the virus from spreading widely. Regular healthcare services were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in missed pediatric appointments and delayed vaccinations. Misinformation and a lack of trust in medical institutions have also contributed to an increase in vaccine skepticism, which has made the situation even worse.

Measles is extremely contagious and can spread quickly, particularly when traveling internationally. After the pandemic, travel restrictions were eased, and people went back to countries where measles is still more common. Infected travelers can bring the virus back to their home countries, potentially triggering outbreaks in communities that have not been vaccinated.

There are clusters of unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals in certain areas in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, frequently for cultural, religious, or ideological reasons. When the virus is introduced, these groups provide a fertile environment for outbreaks. Additionally, the vulnerability of migrant and refugee populations may be increased by a lack of access to routine vaccinations and healthcare.

Social media's dissemination of anti-vaccine misinformation has significantly diminished public trust in vaccines. Some parents have decided not to vaccinate their children as a result of false claims about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, putting communities at risk inadvertently.

Strong disease surveillance and rapid response systems are lacking in some areas, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Measles cases can spread unchecked if cases aren't identified and contained quickly, especially in schools and other public settings.

Public health officials in North America are intensifying efforts to increase vaccination outreach, combat misinformation, and strengthen disease monitoring systems in an effort to halt the resurgence of measles. Priority is being given to catch-up vaccination campaigns, with an emphasis on children in school. The importance of educating the public about the safety and necessity of vaccinations for both individual and community health cannot be overstated.

Although the measles can still be avoided, its resurgence in Canada, Mexico, and the United States demonstrates weaknesses in public health systems and the negative effects of declining vaccination rates. Coordination of efforts, public faith in science, and a commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society are all necessary for addressing these issues.

Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, about 3 to 4 million cases of measles were reported annually in the US, with hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalisations. By 2000, following widespread vaccination, measles was declared “eliminated” in the US – meaning there had been no continuous transmission of the disease for more than 12 months. Countries that have eliminated a disease through vaccines are considered to have “herd immunity” as long as vaccines continue to be offered to everyone.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that starts with symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and sensitivity to light. A few days after infection, a red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and spreads down the body. Fatigue and loss of appetite are also common.

Most people recover within two to three weeks but complications, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems, can be serious.