A widespread resurgence of measles is complicating public health efforts across North America, particularly affecting communities near the U.S.-Canada border.
Measles Epidemic: Cross-Border Complications for Canada and Mexico
Measles Epidemic: Cross-Border Complications for Canada and Mexico
Epidemiologists raise alarms as measles resurges in North America, affecting Canada and Mexico.
As the United States grapples with an alarming resurgence of measles, neighboring nations are also facing their own outbreaks. Canada has reported over 730 cases of measles this year, marking one of its worst outbreaks since the virus was declared "eliminated" in 1998. In Mexico, health authorities report at least 360 cases and one death, predominantly in Chihuahua, a northern state bordering the U.S.
The outbreaks are particularly concentrated in communities with significant Mennonite populations, which public health officials say are contributing to the spread of the virus. The concurrent upsurge of cases in both Canada and Mexico raises concerns for epidemiologists who believe that simultaneous outbreaks near the U.S. border could hinder containment efforts.
"It’s just a line on the map that separates them — we share air, we share space," commented epidemiologist Lisa Lee from Virginia Tech. She highlighted the impact of declining vaccination rates, which have left the U.S. more susceptible to this highly contagious virus. “If we don’t have a buffer or herd immunity to keep the virus out,” Lee warned, “we will be at risk as long as any of our neighbors are at risk.”
Since late January, the outbreak in the U.S. Southwest shows no signs of abating, with more than 560 reported cases in Texas, 63 in New Mexico, and around a dozen in Oklahoma. The situation remains critical as health officials strive to contain the spread amid low vaccination uptake.
The outbreaks are particularly concentrated in communities with significant Mennonite populations, which public health officials say are contributing to the spread of the virus. The concurrent upsurge of cases in both Canada and Mexico raises concerns for epidemiologists who believe that simultaneous outbreaks near the U.S. border could hinder containment efforts.
"It’s just a line on the map that separates them — we share air, we share space," commented epidemiologist Lisa Lee from Virginia Tech. She highlighted the impact of declining vaccination rates, which have left the U.S. more susceptible to this highly contagious virus. “If we don’t have a buffer or herd immunity to keep the virus out,” Lee warned, “we will be at risk as long as any of our neighbors are at risk.”
Since late January, the outbreak in the U.S. Southwest shows no signs of abating, with more than 560 reported cases in Texas, 63 in New Mexico, and around a dozen in Oklahoma. The situation remains critical as health officials strive to contain the spread amid low vaccination uptake.
