PAHO warns of measles risk before 2026 FIFA World Cup travel surge

WASHINGTON, CMC: The Pan American Health Organization said Tuesday that measles infections continue to rise worldwide and in the Americas, even as countries prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Data from the World Health Organization show that 184,489 suspected measles cases were recorded in 155 member states from January 1 to May 13 this year. Of that total, 100,239 cases, or 54.3 per cent, were confirmed.

Across the Americas, PAHO said 16 countries and one territory confirmed 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths between epidemiological weeks one and 20 of 2026.

The agency said the figure is about four times the 5,123 cases logged over the same period in 2025 and is already higher than the full-year total reported last year.

Mexico has so far confirmed 10,920 measles cases and 13 deaths in 2026, while Guatemala has listed 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has recorded 1,018 cases, and the United States has reported 1,952.

Peru has confirmed 301 infections. PAHO said additional cases connected to outbreaks or imported infections have been reported in Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay.

The organisation said most infections have been found in people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination history was not known.

PAHO said growing cross-border travel and continuing outbreaks show why countries need dependable disease monitoring and why travellers should be protected against illnesses that vaccines can prevent before they attend major global events.

The agency also reminded health ministries that, under the International Health Regulations, countries cannot require a measles vaccination certificate as a condition of entry. However, PAHO stressed that immunisation is still the strongest tool for stopping spread and protecting public health.

PAHO is calling on health authorities to improve measles tracking, increase vaccination and ensure quick action when cases are detected as outbreaks continue in the region.

It said countries should assess how well their measles and rubella surveillance systems are working and review vaccination coverage so they can identify the communities most at risk and act before transmission expands.

PAHO warned that rising measles activity, combined with heavier international movement, could make it easier for the virus to spread during major gatherings.

In its latest alert, the agency said countries should, in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other mass events, make surveillance systems more sensitive by actively searching for cases, documenting the absence of measles and rubella, and giving travellers access to information and vaccination services.