Despite currently maintaining measles-free status, health officials in Brazil are closely monitoring a potential increase in transmission risk this summer, fueled by rising global case numbers and incoming travelers [[1]]. The Pan American Health Institution recently reversed its certification of measles elimination for the Americas following sustained outbreaks in Canada and other nations. While Brazil has reported 38 imported cases in 2025, vaccination rates remain below the 95% threshold needed to prevent community spread, prompting concerns about potential vulnerability, particularly among infants [[1]].
Health officials are alerting the public to a potential increased risk of measles transmission this summer, even though there is currently no active outbreak in the country. The concern stems from cruise ship stops along the coast of São Paulo as the season begins, raising the possibility of imported cases.
Learn more: Measles: Key aspects of a re-emerging disease
Growing Concerns Over New Measles Cases
The health department notes that despite the current lack of an outbreak within the country, the rise in cases and active outbreaks globally necessitates continuous monitoring and attention to the population’s vaccination status. The department recommends that individuals traveling for tourism or work, and those in crowded settings, ensure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. If symptoms such as fever, a red rash, cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis develop within 30 days of travel, individuals should immediately seek medical attention, inform healthcare providers of their travel history, and avoid public spaces.
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Current Situation
The sustained circulation of the measles virus in Canada for over 12 months recently led the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to withdraw, in early November, the certification of measles elimination for the entire American continent. This decision reflects a rapid expansion of cases in several countries, renewing epidemiological alerts in the region. As of November 7th, 12,596 measles cases had been recorded in ten countries – a number 30 times higher than in 2024. While Brazil is among those countries, 95% of the reported cases are concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Brazil has reported 38 cases in 2025, distributed across seven states. The largest clusters occurred in Campos Lindos (TO) and Primavera do Leste (MT), both originating from infected travelers arriving from Bolivia, which is currently experiencing active outbreaks. There have been 25 cases in Tocantins, six in Mato Grosso, and two in São Paulo.
Currently, Brazil maintains certification as a measles-free country, as cases reported within its borders are imported and there is no endemic circulation of the virus. Recent improvements in vaccination coverage have been observed, with the number of municipalities reaching the 95% target with two doses of the MMR vaccine increasing from 855 in 2022 to 2,408 in 2024. However, overall rates, as of 2025, stand at 91.5% (D1) and 75.5% (D2), below the 95% minimum considered safe to prevent outbreaks. Children under 1 year of age remain the most vulnerable group to severe complications, including blindness, encephalitis, and death.
The current situation highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the re-establishment of measles as a public health threat.
*This article was reviewed by the medical team at Afya Portal.
