As the United States battles a resurgence of measles, stories of its spread are emerging from Canada and Mexico. Canada has reported over 730 measles cases in 2025, marking one of the nation's worst outbreaks since its elimination of the virus in 1998. Mexico, particularly in Chihuahua, has experienced around 360 measles cases and one death linked to the disease, according to health authorities.
These rising numbers are particularly alarming in regions with large Mennonite populations, whose vaccination rates are lower than the national average. Epidemiologists voice their concerns that simultaneous outbreaks near the U.S. border may complicate containment efforts.
Lisa Lee, an epidemiologist from Virginia Tech, emphasized the interconnectedness of communities. “It’s just a line on the map that separates them — we share air, we share space,” she noted. With vaccination rates falling, the United States may be at greater risk if neighboring countries continue to experience outbreaks.
In the Southwest, where the outbreak began in Texas, over 560 cases have been reported, alongside 63 cases in New Mexico and a dozen in Oklahoma since late January. Public health officials are urging renewed efforts in vaccination and public awareness to combat this alarming trend.
These rising numbers are particularly alarming in regions with large Mennonite populations, whose vaccination rates are lower than the national average. Epidemiologists voice their concerns that simultaneous outbreaks near the U.S. border may complicate containment efforts.
Lisa Lee, an epidemiologist from Virginia Tech, emphasized the interconnectedness of communities. “It’s just a line on the map that separates them — we share air, we share space,” she noted. With vaccination rates falling, the United States may be at greater risk if neighboring countries continue to experience outbreaks.
In the Southwest, where the outbreak began in Texas, over 560 cases have been reported, alongside 63 cases in New Mexico and a dozen in Oklahoma since late January. Public health officials are urging renewed efforts in vaccination and public awareness to combat this alarming trend.
