PAHO has warned of a measles resurgence across the Americas and urged intensified surveillance and vaccination. In the first three weeks of 2026, 1,031 cases were confirmed in seven countries — a 43-fold increase from the same period in 2025 — with Mexico and the United States hardest hit. Canada recently lost its measles elimination status after a prolonged outbreak, and a large outbreak in South Carolina accounts for hundreds of cases. PAHO says immunity gaps (78% of cases unvaccinated) are driving the spread and calls for rapid vaccination and strengthened surveillance.
PAHO Warns of Measles Surge Across the Americas — Calls for Intensified Surveillance and Vaccination
FILE PHOTO: A sign reading "measles testing" is seen as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state, in Seminole, Texas, U.S., February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Rocandio/File Photo
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Wednesday urged countries across the Americas to step up epidemiological surveillance and vaccination after a widening measles outbreak drove a sharp rise in cases across the region.
Recent Trends and Key Statistics
In the first three weeks of 2026, an additional 1,031 measles cases were confirmed across seven countries, with the largest numbers reported in Mexico and the United States. PAHO said this represents a 43-fold increase compared with the 23 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
In November, Canada lost its measles elimination status after nearly three decades because authorities were unable to contain a year-long outbreak — a development that also removed the Americas region's elimination status.
Major Outbreaks and Drivers
A widening outbreak in South Carolina has produced 876 cases in the state, and officials warned it could last weeks or months amid lagging vaccine uptake. Among cases for which vaccination information is available, 78% were unvaccinated and 11% had an unknown vaccination status, underscoring that gaps in routine immunization are fueling these outbreaks.
PAHO Recommendations
PAHO urged member states to prioritize:
- Enhanced epidemiological surveillance and rapid, timely investigation of suspected cases;
- Strengthened laboratory testing to confirm and monitor cases;
- Closing immunity gaps through targeted and routine vaccination campaigns;
- Rapid outbreak response to contain spread and protect vulnerable populations.
"Closing immunity gaps and improving surveillance are critical to reversing this resurgence," PAHO said, emphasizing that timely vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles.
Health authorities and clinicians are being urged to maintain vigilance, ensure laboratory confirmation of suspected cases, and accelerate immunization activities to limit further spread.
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