Rising Measles Cases in Canada Present Risks for Pregnant Individuals

As measles cases surge across Canada, public health officials are increasingly concerned about the risks this poses to pregnant individuals and their newborns. Health experts emphasize that the lack of discourse surrounding protective measures for this vulnerable group is troubling, especially amidst rising infection rates.

According to a report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), the incidence of measles is on the rise in Canada, with significant implications for maternal and neonatal health. Dr. Michelle Science, a staff physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital for Sick Children, notes that measles infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, hepatitis, miscarriage, and premature birth (Science et al., 2025). The urgency of this issue is underscored by the fact that infection control procedures are critical for managing cases in pregnant individuals due to the disease's high infectivity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks. According to WHO data from 2023, global vaccination rates have declined, contributing to a resurgence of the disease in various regions, including North America. This decline is alarming, particularly as Dr. Catherine Varner, deputy editor of CMAJ and an emergency medicine physician, highlights the concurrent record-low fertility rates in Canada, which could exacerbate the risks associated with measles during pregnancy (Varner, 2025).

Dr. Varner emphasizes that protecting pregnant individuals from measles should be a priority for public health initiatives. She advocates for the establishment of separate care pathways for pregnant individuals exposed to the virus, including urgent access to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which can mitigate the risk of infection or reduce the severity of symptoms (Varner, 2025). This approach is critical as pregnant individuals often face heightened risks during infectious disease outbreaks.

The implications of these rising measles cases extend beyond immediate health concerns. Historically, measles outbreaks have led to increased healthcare costs and strained public health resources. A study published in the Journal of Economic Research (2022) by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, indicates that outbreaks can lead to hundreds of thousands in added expenses for healthcare systems (Johnson, 2022).

In light of the current situation, health experts are calling for a renewed focus on vaccination efforts. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported a significant drop in measles immunization rates in recent years, prompting concerns about potential outbreaks (PHAC, 2023). Furthermore, the Canadian Pediatric Society has reiterated the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent measles and protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant individuals.

As the nation grapples with these public health challenges, the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard maternal and neonatal health becomes increasingly evident. Experts agree that enhancing vaccination campaigns and ensuring robust healthcare responses are essential steps in mitigating the risks posed by the ongoing measles resurgence.

In conclusion, the rise in measles cases in Canada poses serious risks for pregnant individuals and their newborns, highlighting the urgent need for public health strategies focused on vaccination and education. As health professionals advocate for increased awareness and protective measures, the future of maternal and neonatal health hinges on collective efforts to combat this preventable disease.

References: - Science, M., et al. (2025). Measles in pregnancy. Canadian Medical Association Journal. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.250606 - Varner, C. (2025). Pregnant and bearing the burden of measles outbreaks in Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.250820 - Johnson, S. (2022). Economic impact of infectious disease outbreaks. Journal of Economic Research. - Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Measles vaccination rates. - World Health Organization. (2023). Global vaccination coverage report.