PAHO Calls For Measles Vigilance Before 2026 FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) - The Pan American Health Organization says health officials must stay alert as measles numbers continue to rise globally and in the Americas, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set for the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.

Citing World Health Organization data, PAHO said 184,489 measles infections were reported by 155 member states from January 1 to May 13 this year. Of that figure, 100,239 cases, or 54.3 per cent, had been confirmed.

Across the Americas, PAHO said 16 countries and one territory confirmed 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths between epidemiological weeks 1 and 20 of 2026. The agency said that total is four times higher than the 5,123 cases recorded over the same period in 2025, and has already moved beyond the full-year count for last year.

Mexico has so far confirmed 10,920 cases and 13 deaths in 2026. Guatemala has listed 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has reported 1,018 cases, the United States has recorded 1,952, and Peru has confirmed 301 cases.

PAHO said additional cases have been reported elsewhere in the region, including Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay, with infections tied to outbreaks or imported cases.

Most reported infections, according to PAHO, have involved people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination status was not known. The organisation said the combination of more international travel and continuing outbreaks makes it important for countries to keep surveillance systems strong and ensure travellers are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases before attending major global events.

PAHO also reminded health authorities that, under the International Health Regulations, countries do not require a measles vaccination certificate for entry. Even so, it said vaccination remains the strongest way to stop spread and safeguard public health.

The regional health body is calling on authorities to reinforce measles monitoring, immunisation and quick-response systems as outbreaks continue. It recommends that countries assess measles and rubella surveillance performance and vaccination coverage so they can identify high-risk areas and act before cases spread further.

PAHO warned that rising transmission and heavier travel create conditions that can help measles move during large gatherings. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup and similar events, it said countries should make surveillance more sensitive through active case-finding, confirm the absence of measles and rubella where possible, and provide information and vaccination services to travellers.