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Published on: April 4, 2011
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Measles surveillance in Canada, 2019
Cameron Coulby1, Francesca Reyes Domingo1, Joanne Hiebert2
1Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Summary
Canada reported 113 measles cases in 2019, with most imported and no endemic transmission. Surveillance data supports ongoing measles elimination verification, despite some criteria not being fully met.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Enhanced measles surveillance has been conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) since 1998, following the elimination of endemic measles transmission.
- This report summarizes measles activity in Canada for 2019 to support the verification of the country's measles elimination status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an epidemiologic summary of measles activity in Canada for 2019.
- To assess Canada's measles elimination status against Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) criteria.
Main Methods:
- Data from the Canadian Measles and Rubella Surveillance System (CMRSS) were analyzed.
- Descriptive analyses of demographics, risk factors, and outbreak characteristics were performed.
- Genotypic analyses and assessment against PAHO essential criteria were conducted using 2019 surveillance, laboratory, and vaccine coverage data.
Main Results:
- 113 measles cases were reported in 2019, with a crude incidence rate of 3.0 per 1,000,000 population.
- 37% of cases were imported, and 29% of imported cases led to further transmission; infants had the highest incidence rate.
- Only 29% of cases had documented vaccination; 19% were hospitalized, and no deaths occurred. Measles genotypes B3 and D8 were predominant.
Conclusions:
- Canada partially met three out of four essential criteria for measles elimination status set by PAHO.
- No evidence suggests the reestablishment of endemic measles transmission in Canada.
- Continued surveillance is crucial for maintaining measles elimination verification.
