Measles Surge in Americas: Mexico Reports Most Cases, PAHO Issues Alert

MEXICO CITY – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a new epidemiological alert on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following a significant surge in measles cases across the Americas. The alert calls for intensified epidemiological surveillance, vaccination efforts and rapid outbreak response to halt transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

The situation is particularly concerning as it unfolds with only months remaining before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across three North American nations. PAHO confirmed 1,031 new measles cases across seven countries in the first three weeks of 2026 – a 43-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

Mexico currently reports the highest number of cases, with 740 confirmed infections. The United States follows with 171 cases, and Canada has recorded 67. While no deaths have been reported to date, health officials are closely monitoring the concentration of cases, particularly in specific regions.

Within Mexico, the state of Jalisco in the west has experienced the highest incidence rate this year, building on major outbreaks that occurred last year in Chihuahua and neighboring Texas. In the United States, public health officials are focusing on a rising number of cases in South Carolina.

The alert comes after Canada lost its measles-free status in November, a development that the United States and Mexico risk mirroring. Both the U.S. And Mexico have requested a two-month extension to contain their respective outbreaks, but efforts are complicated by the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January, the parent agency of PAHO.

PAHO data indicates that vaccination rates are a critical factor in the resurgence of the disease, with 78% of recent cases involving unvaccinated individuals. This underscores the importance of widespread immunization campaigns.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Mexican government has launched a public awareness campaign urging citizens to receive the two-dose measles vaccine. Mobile vaccination clinics have been established in high-traffic areas such as airports and bus terminals to increase accessibility. In Mexico City, Mayor Clara Brugada announced the launch of 2,000 new vaccination modules this week, strategically located outside health centers and within major subway stations to reach a wider population. “Everyone under 49 years of age, please get vaccinated,” Brugada urged on Tuesday, emphasizing the vaccine’s availability throughout the city.

The current measles surge represents the highest level of cases seen in the Americas Region in five years, driven by a global resurgence and what PAHO describes as “persistent immunization gaps.” While adolescents and young adults account for the largest number of cases, the highest incidence rates are being observed in children under the age of one, highlighting the need to reinforce second-dose coverage.

Regional vaccination coverage remains significantly below the levels needed to achieve herd immunity. Currently, only 33% of countries in the Americas have reached the 95% threshold for the first vaccine dose, and a mere 20% have achieved it for the second dose. This lack of comprehensive immunization coverage is fueling the spread of the highly contagious virus.

The PAHO alert serves as a stark warning to Member States, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated action to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health. The agency’s call for intensified surveillance, vaccination, and outbreak response is critical in interrupting transmission and mitigating the potential impact of this growing health threat.