Amid rumours of U.S. measles parties, experts warn how dangerous they can be – CTV
March 17, 2025
Following a warning from a U.S. official against “measles parties” amid outbreaks, dozens of Canadian health officials say they haven’t heard evidence of these dangerous events taking place above the border. Still, with case numbers that have already outpaced last year, doctors are warning anyone considering the idea not to do it.
Measles, a highly contagious virus preventable through vaccines, has been spreading through the U.S. in recent months, particularly in Texas and New Mexico, reports The Associated Press. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in the two states alone and two people have died, one of whom was a child. Measles has also been reported in several other U.S. states.
In Canada, more measles cases were reported in the first two months of 2025 than in all of 2024, according to the country’s top doctor. Data published Friday showed Canada’s case count stands at 224.
The problem with measles parties
The theory behind these parties is that children are exposed, get sick and build immunity. The “parties” are parents or guardians bringing their otherwise healthy children to gatherings where they are intentionally in contact with a person who is known to have measles.
