(NewsNation) — Canada has lost its measles elimination status as the country faces a yearlong outbreak of the virus, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced Monday.

Measles elimination status means a country has not experienced an uncontrollable spread of the virus for at least one year. That does not mean the virus is completely eradicated, and cases can spread through international travel.

Measles was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998, but the North American country has endured a surge in cases since October 2024. Health officials have cited lower vaccination rates as a reason for the outbreak.

"While transmission has slowed recently, the outbreak has persisted for over 12 months, primarily within under-vaccinated communities," health officials said in a press release. "Canad

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