PAHO calls for tighter measles monitoring before 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said on Tuesday that measles infections continue to rise around the world and in the Americas, as countries get ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which begins on June 11.

Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that 184,489 measles cases were reported by 155 member states from January 1 to May 13 this year. Of that number, 100,239 cases, representing 54.3 per cent, had been confirmed.

In the Americas, PAHO said 16 countries and one territory recorded 20,521 confirmed measles cases and 25 deaths between epidemiological weeks one and 20 of 2026. The agency said the regional count is now four times higher than the 5,123 cases logged over the corresponding period in 2025, and has already moved beyond the total reported for all of last year.

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

Peru has confirmed 301 cases. PAHO also listed Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay among countries in the region that have reported measles cases tied to outbreaks or imported infections.

The organisation said most of the reported infections involved people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination history was not known. It said the combination of increased cross-border travel and continuing outbreaks makes it important for countries to keep surveillance systems strong and ensure travellers are protected from diseases that vaccines can prevent before they attend major international events.

PAHO also reminded health authorities that, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), countries do not require a measles vaccination certificate for entry. Even so, the agency stressed that vaccination remains the strongest tool for stopping transmission and safeguarding public health.

The health body is calling on authorities to improve measles surveillance, vaccination activities and rapid response capacity as outbreaks continue in the region.

PAHO said countries should assess how well their measles and rubella surveillance systems are performing, review vaccination coverage, identify communities at greatest risk and put preventive measures in place.

The agency warned that rising measles transmission, along with heavier international travel, could make it easier for the disease to spread during large global gatherings.

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other mass events, PAHO said countries should make their surveillance systems more sensitive by actively searching for cases, documenting the absence of measles and rubella where applicable, and providing information and vaccination services to travellers.