Measles surveillance in Canada: Trends for 2014

Measles elimination status was achieved in Canada in 1998. The Public Health Agency of Canada compiles evidence for the Pan American Health Organization to confirm that criteria for the verification of measles elimination continue to be met.

To describe measles activity in Canada for 2014 in order to support Canada's ongoing measles elimination status.

Using data captured by the Canadian Measles and Rubella Surveillance System and the Measles and Rubella Surveillance pilot project during 2014, the distribution of measles cases by demographics, immunization status and hospitalization were assessed, outbreak characteristics were summarized and genotypic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted and described.

During 2014, 418 measles cases were reported by five provinces and territories for an overall incidence rate of 11.8 cases per 1,000,000 population. Case counts and incidence rates were highest among those five to 14 years of age and the majority of cases were not immunized. Overall, five percent of cases were hospitalized, most frequently the youngest and oldest age groups. Eighteen outbreaks were reported, the largest of which occurred in a non-immunizing religious community in British Columbia. Genotype information was available for 98% of measles events (18/18 outbreaks and 31/32 sporadic cases). Canada continued to meet or partially meet all four of PAHO's criteria for verification of measles elimination.

Despite significant measles activity in 2014, Canada continues to provide strong evidence that measles elimination status is being maintained.