Measles on the rise in Americas: Experts
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The Americas region was the first in the world to achieve measles-free status, in 2016.
PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON - Measles is on the rise in the Americas, particularly in Mexico, the United States and Canada, as some communities fail to get vaccinated, the Pan American Health Organization (PHO) said on April 24.
In 2025, more than 14,700 cases were reported in 13 countries of the Americas, an increase of nearly 32 per cent compared to 2024, said PHO director Jarbas Barbosa.
The trend is speeding up in 2026, and there have now been more cases of the highly contagious air-borne viral disease in just a few months than in all of last year, he said.
Mexico, Guatemala, the United States and Canada account for the majority of the cases, with transmission also reported in Bolivia and other countries, said Dr Barbosa.
The Americas region was the first in the world to achieve measles-free status, in 2016. It has since regained and lost it again several times, most recently last year, the PHO said.
“The re-emergence of the measles in the Americas is a significant setback, but one that is entirely reversible,” said Mr Barbosa.
In 2025, 32 measles-related deaths were reported, and in the first quarter of 2026, 11 deaths have already been recorded, he added.
Health officials are on alert because the United States, Canada and Mexico will host the World Cup together this summer. The world’s premier sporting event will draw millions of visitors. AFP
