Washington

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, has issued an epidemiological alert over a sharp rise in measles cases across the Americas during 2025 and early 2026, urging countries to strengthen surveillance and immunisation efforts.

In a statement released on Wednesday, PAHO said the surge in infections was a “warning sign” requiring immediate and coordinated action by member states. The organisation reported 1,031 confirmed measles cases in the Americas during the first three weeks of 2026 alone, following 14,891 cases recorded across the region in 2025.

The most severe outbreaks have been reported in North America, particularly in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where case numbers remain high.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can infect up to nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed to the virus. While most patients recover within weeks, the infection can cause serious complications, especially in young children, including pneumonia, encephalitis and long-term neurological damage.

Vaccination through the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains the only effective preventive measure. Health authorities recommend the first dose before 15 months of age and a second dose before six years. Although the vaccine is considered safe and provides lifelong protection, vaccination coverage has declined in some countries due to misinformation, PAHO noted.

In the United States, 171 new measles cases were reported in the first three weeks of 2026, following 2,242 cases in 2025. A major outbreak in South Carolina accounted for 876 cases, mostly among unvaccinated individuals. Another outbreak in Texas last year resulted in 762 cases, two deaths and 99 hospitalisations, primarily involving unvaccinated children.

Mexico, which had eliminated measles in 1996, reported the highest regional total in 2025 with 6,428 cases, followed by 740 cases in early 2026. Canada lost its measles elimination status in November after recording 5,436 cases in 2025.

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PAHO said it will review the measles elimination status of the United States and Mexico during a virtual meeting scheduled for April 13, warning that sustained high vaccination coverage is critical to protecting vulnerable populations and reversing the resurgence.