News|HealthUN agency warns of ‘sharp increase’ in measles cases in the AmericasMexico and the US both reported thousands of measles cases last year, threatening their measles elimination status.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, has issued a report indicating an increase in measles cases across the Americas.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, has issued a report indicating an increase in measles cases across the Americas.
On Wed, Feb 3, 2026, PAHO released an epidemiological alert , urging member states to enhance routine surveillance and vaccination activities to address the spread of measles.
According to PAHO, the rise in measles cases during 2025 and early 2026 necessitates immediate action. In the first three weeks of 2026, 1,031 cases were recorded, following a total of 14,891 cases in 2025.
Notable outbreaks have been identified in North America, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada experiencing significant case numbers.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, with a high infection rate among unvaccinated individuals. While symptoms typically resolve within weeks, measles can cause severe complications, particularly in young children, including ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, has issued a report indicating an increase in measles cases across the Americas.
Vaccination, specifically the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, is the primary preventive measure against measles. It is generally advised that healthy children receive the first MMR dose before 15 months of age and a second dose before age six.
PAHO reports that the United States has had 171 new cases of measles in the initial weeks of 2026, following a total of 2,242 cases in 2025. South Carolina has reported 876 cases recently, predominantly affecting unvaccinated individuals.
In Texas, an outbreak resulted in 762 cases between January and August 2025, with two unvaccinated children fatalities and 99 hospitalizations.
Previously, in 2000, the US had eliminated measles, meaning cases were not spreading domestically, although some occurred due to international exposure. Mexico achieved a similar status in 1996, with the Americas region being declared measles-free in 2016.
However, the current outbreaks pose a risk to the elimination status of both the US and Mexico. Mexico reported 6,428 cases in 2025, with 740 new cases in early 2026.
PAHO will assess the elimination status of the US and Mexico in a virtual meeting on Mon, Apr 13, 2026.
Canada's measles elimination status was rescinded in November 2025, following several outbreaks since October 2024. PAHO recorded 5,436 cases in 2025, with 67 cases in the first few weeks of 2026. Canada can regain its status by halting outbreak-related transmissions for over one year.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.