Health

Urgent Call to Action: UBC Experts Rally Against Rampant Measles Outbreak

2025-06-06

Author: Michael

A dedicated team of experts from the University of British Columbia (UBC) is on a mission to combat a resurgent measles outbreak that threatens Canada’s long-standing status of disease elimination. If the alarming trend continues, the nation risks losing this hard-won achievement by October 2025.

Recent reports from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reveal a staggering rise in measles cases, with 244 new infections reported in just one week from May 18 to 24, totaling 2,755 overall.

In British Columbia, 12 measles cases have been identified as of June 5, 2025, with one patient reporting symptoms outside the province. Notably, Island Health confirmed no new cases since 2019, but the PHAC warns we are witnessing the largest outbreak since measles was declared eliminated in 1998.

Why Measles is a Grave Threat and How to Stay Safe

Experts Manish Sadarangani and Kyla Hildebrand emphasize that the lack of a specific antiviral treatment for measles is what makes it especially perilous. Vaccination is the most powerful weapon we have against this highly contagious disease.

"One dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is 85 to 95% effective at preventing measles, and a second dose ramps that up to an impressive 99%," they explain.

The absence of a cure means once infected, individuals have no specific treatment options. An unvaccinated person can be administered the MMR vaccine within three days post-exposure, but that’s a stop-gap measure. Measles is not only difficult to treat, but it is also highly transmissible—up to six times more so than COVID-19, according to UBC.

"It’s one of the most contagious pathogens on Earth," Sadarangani warns.

Another significant issue is the way measles undermines the immune system. It targets and weakens the body’s immune cells, leaving individuals vulnerable to other diseases long after recovery. This phenomenon, dubbed 'immune amnesia,' can erase up to 70% of previously acquired immunity and increase susceptibility to future infections.

In severe cases, measles can lead to long-lasting brain damage—measles encephalitis can occur in about 1 in 1,000 infections and has devastating consequences.

Why Vaccination Is Critical

The consensus among UBC’s experts is clear: measles is preventable through herd immunity, necessitating at least a 95% vaccination rate in the population.

Startlingly, PHAC reports that 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to an infected person in a shared space will contract the virus. Despite the critical need for vaccinations, current rates in British Columbia are concerning. As of 2023, only 72.4% of seven-year-olds in B.C. are vaccinated against measles, down from previous years.

While Ontario and New Brunswick enforce vaccination proof for school attendance, British Columbia has not adopted similar measures, contributing to the dip in vaccination rates.

The Path Forward

"The MMR vaccine is incredibly effective and offers lifelong protection for the vast majority of people," Sadarangani notes. "Being fully vaccinated is the best course of action for you, your family, and vulnerable members of our community."

For anyone suspected of exposure, PHAC advises symptomatic relief, hydration, and plenty of rest, although most cases can manage at home. Serious cases, however, may require hospitalization.

As Canada faces this noteworthy health challenge, staying informed and prioritizing vaccinations are essential steps toward rebuilding our immunity against measles. Visit Immunize BC or the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control for details on local immunization options.