A concerning spike in measles cases is raising public health alarms across North America, threatening to undermine decades of progress toward elimination of the highly contagious disease. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently reported a 43-fold increase in infections in the first three weeks of 2026 alone,wiht Mexico,the united States,and Canada accounting for the vast majority of cases. This surge arrives as preparations ramp up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup-a massive event expected to draw millions of fans-and amid declining vaccination rates, prompting urgent calls for preventative measures.
Health officials are sounding the alarm over a significant surge in measles cases across the Americas, a trend that threatens to reverse decades of progress in controlling the highly contagious disease. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a dramatic increase in infections, raising concerns as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
In the first three weeks of 2026 alone, PAHO confirmed 1,031 new measles cases in seven countries – a 43-fold increase compared to the same period last year. While no deaths have been reported to date, the concentration of cases is concerning, with Mexico leading the outbreak with 740 cases, followed by the United States with 171 and Canada with 67.
This rise in cases comes after Canada lost its measles-free status in November, a setback that the United States and Mexico may soon repeat. Both governments have requested a two-month extension to contain their respective outbreaks, but efforts are complicated by the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), the parent agency of PAHO, in January.
PAHO is urging urgent vaccination campaigns, noting that 78% of recent cases have involved individuals who were not vaccinated. The situation is particularly worrying for infants under one year old, who are experiencing the highest incidence rates, highlighting the critical need to improve second-dose coverage.
The growing outbreak coincides with a global resurgence of measles, driven by what the agency describes as “persistent gaps in immunization.” In 2024, 59 countries worldwide reported large or disruptive measles outbreaks – nearly triple the number recorded in 2021 and the highest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO previously warned that while measles deaths globally have fallen 88% since 2000 thanks to vaccination, cases are increasing, totaling around 11 million in 2024. The organization is calling for strengthened vaccination coverage to prevent further outbreaks.
Regional data is particularly alarming in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 and will feature a record 48 teams in a first-of-its-kind tripartite organization between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Currently, only 33% of countries in the Americas have reached the 95% threshold for the first dose of the measles vaccine, and a mere 20% have achieved it for the second dose. This low vaccination coverage poses a public health risk during a major international event that will draw large crowds and increased travel.
The increase in measles cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of this preventable disease. The findings could guide future vaccination strategies and resource allocation to address the growing threat of measles outbreaks in the Americas and beyond.
