The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries across the Americas to strengthen measles vaccination efforts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a rise in cases and the heightened risk of transmission during large international gatherings.
The alert follows growing concerns about the potential reintroduction and spread of measles in Brazil and other nations, driven by increased travel to the United States, Canada, and Mexico — countries currently experiencing active outbreaks of the disease.
PAHO specifically recommends administering a “dose zero” of the measles vaccine to infants between 6 and 11 months of age, along with booster vaccinations for children aged 12 months to 10 years. The organization also emphasizes the need to expand overall vaccination coverage and improve epidemiological surveillance to protect populations during mass events.
Brazil’s Ministry of Health has echoed these concerns, issuing a technical note that warns of an imminent risk of measles reintroduction due to the large volume of travelers expected for the tournament. Officials say the combination of high disease transmissibility in the region and gaps in immunity among some populations could facilitate outbreaks.
Health authorities stress that ensuring up-to-date vaccinations is critical not only for individual protection but also to prevent community-wide transmission, especially in settings where large crowds gather from diverse geographic areas.
The recommendations aim to mitigate public health risks associated with international travel and mass events, reinforcing the importance of sustained immunization programs in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.
