The Pan American Health Organization recommended this week that countries across the Americas strengthen measles surveillance at airports, border crossings and major-event venues as the region faces a dramatic resurgence of the disease just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Between January and mid-May, confirmed cases in the Americas totaled more than 20,000 — a fourfold increase over the same period in 2025, according to the organization’s epidemiological alert issued in late May. The tally has already surpassed the total number of cases reported across all of last year.
Mexico leads the region in infections, with 10,920 confirmed cases and 13 deaths, according to PAHO’s data. Guatemala has recorded 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. The United States has reported 1,952 cases, and Canada has reported 1,018. Peru has recorded 301 cases. Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay have also identified cases linked to local outbreaks or imported infections.
The World Cup, which begins June 11 and runs through July 19, will be the largest in the tournament’s history: 48 national teams playing 104 matches across 16 venues — 11 in U.S. cities, three in Mexico and two in Canada. FIFA estimates more than 6 million people will attend, and Fox Sports projects the competition will generate $13.9 billion in economic activity across the region.
PAHO described the epidemiological situation as “serious,” warning that rising measles transmission combined with the mass movement of international travelers creates conditions favorable for the disease to spread during large-scale events. The organization urged countries to ramp up active case detection, maintain rapid response teams, and improve international coordination of contact tracing.
Globally, nearly 185,000 measles cases were reported across 155 countries during the first five months of 2026, with more than half confirmed by laboratory testing, the organization said. Southeast Asia accounted for 29% of reported cases, the Eastern Mediterranean region for 21%, and Africa and the Americas each for 19%. Health authorities said most infections have occurred among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status.
PAHO recommended that travelers 6 months and older who cannot show proof of two doses of measles-containing vaccine or evidence of immunity receive a measles-rubella vaccination, ideally at least two weeks before traveling to areas with documented transmission. While proof of vaccination is not required for entry under the International Health Regulations, the organization said vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent transmission and protect public health.
MSI previously reported that the U.S. measles elimination status was at risk as cases hit their highest level since 1991, with the outbreak in South Carolina alone surpassing 900 cases before it was declared over in April Read more.