Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status as Cases Surge Across North America

Canada lost its measles elimination status this week following a major outbreak that has seen over 5,000 cases reported so far this year—more than double the total from the previous 25 years combined, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The United States hasn't lost its elimination status yet, but public health officials are increasingly concerned as cases continue to climb. The CDC reports 1,681 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of November 4th, with 92 percent occurring in people who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

Dr. Kisha Davis with the American Academy of Family Physicians explains the virus's danger: "9 out of 10 people that are exposed to someone with measles, if they are not vaccinated, 9 out of 10 of them are expected to contract measles."

For more on why measles is making a comeback, what symptoms to watch for, and how vaccination can protect your family, watch Mandy Gaither's full Health Minute report in the video above.