UN agency warns of ‘sharp increase’ in measles cases in the Americas | Health News
PAHO Warns of Rising Measles Cases in the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, has issued a report highlighting a significant increase in measles cases across the Americas. On Wednesday, PAHO released an epidemiological alert calling for member states to enhance routine surveillance and vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
“The sharp increase in measles cases in the Americas during 2025 and early 2026 underscores the urgent need for immediate and coordinated action by Member States,” PAHO stated.
In the first three weeks of 2026, PAHO recorded 1,031 cases of measles in the region, following a total of 14,891 confirmed cases in 2025. The report noted that North America is experiencing some of the largest outbreaks, with countries like the United States, Mexico, and Canada reporting high case numbers.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, capable of infecting 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. While symptoms typically resolve within weeks, measles can lead to severe health complications, particularly in young children. Potential complications include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis, which can cause lasting neurological damage.
Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing measles. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended for children, with the first dose given before 15 months of age and a second dose before age six. The MMR vaccine is widely regarded as safe; however, vaccination rates have declined in recent years, partly due to misinformation.
In the United States, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made claims suggesting that the vaccine’s effectiveness wanes quickly and poses health risks. However, health experts, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintain that the vaccine is safe and far less dangerous than contracting measles.
PAHO’s report indicated that the U.S. has reported 171 new measles cases in early 2026, following 2,242 cases in 2025. One notable outbreak is ongoing in South Carolina, where 876 incidents have been reported; the majority of affected individuals were unvaccinated.
In Texas, an outbreak led to 762 cases reported between January and August 2025, resulting in the deaths of two unvaccinated children and numerous hospitalizations.
Both the U.S. and Mexico achieved measles elimination statuses in previous years but now face the risk of losing that status as outbreaks persist. In 2025, Mexico reported 6,428 cases, the highest in the Americas, with an additional 740 cases recorded in early 2026.
PAHO is set to review the measles elimination status for the U.S. and Mexico in a virtual meeting scheduled for April 13. Meanwhile, Canada has already lost its elimination status following several outbreaks since late 2024.
According to PAHO, a country can regain its elimination status only after ceasing transmission from outbreaks for over a year.
