Toronto – Arab Canada News

Public health experts have confirmed that the increasing outbreak of measles in the border areas between the United States, Canada, and Mexico threatens to undermine efforts to control the virus, with a sharp rise in cases being recorded, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates.

According to a recent report published by The New York Times, the chain of infections began in the state of Texas and extended across the border to include areas in Ontario, Canada, and the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, highlighting the health challenges faced by governments in combating the virus that was officially declared eradicated in 1998.

The situation worsens in Canada and Mexico

Canadian authorities have reported over 730 confirmed cases of measles since the beginning of this year, which is considered the worst outbreak in more than two decades. A significant number of these cases are concentrated in border communities with high population density and low vaccination rates.

In Mexico, the health ministry reported at least 360 confirmed cases of measles and one death, most of which were in the state of Chihuahua near the border with the United States.

Borders do not stop the virus

Lisa Lee, an epidemiologist at Virginia Tech, emphasized that the virus does not adhere to geographical borders, stating: “Political borders do not stop the virus. We share air and space, so an outbreak in one country is a threat to everyone.”

Ongoing outbreak in the United States

In the United States, southern states are reporting rising numbers of cases, with Texas alone recording more than 560 cases since January, followed by New Mexico with 63 cases, along with 30 cases in Kansas, believed to be linked to the source of infection in Texas.

This situation raises concerns among federal and state health authorities, who have rushed to issue warnings to residents, urging increased vaccination rates, especially among children and mobile or immigrant populations.

Warning from the Pan American Health Organization

In a significant development, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a warning last February, confirming that the “elimination of measles” declared in North America is at risk. The organization urged the three countries to strengthen vaccination programs and improve epidemiological surveillance and rapid response mechanisms.

The Canadian response

In Ontario, the health ministry issued urgent alerts to schools and healthcare centers, asking families to ensure that their children's vaccination records are up to date. The province has also intensified awareness campaigns in collaboration with public health authorities to increase MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates.

A threat requiring tripartite cooperation

Health specialists emphasize that the current situation requires a tripartite response between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, to ensure the containment of the outbreak and prevent its escalation into a wide regional health crisis.

With continued cross-border movement and some communities' lack of trust in vaccines, there is an urgent need for a unified scientific message reaffirming the effectiveness of vaccination and the importance of collective prevention through community immunity.