Countries in Latin America are being urged to improve vaccination and surveillance efforts in response to a significant resurgence of measles, which has reached the highest levels in over two decades. Experts attribute this spike to low vaccination rates and increased travel during the recent FIFA World Cup.
Between January and August, the Americas reported over 51,000 measles cases—nearly triple the total from 2025. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Peru account for 95% of these cases. Public health officials have emphasized the link between declining vaccination rates and the mass movement of people during the World Cup as key factors in the outbreak.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that approximately 73% of this year’s cases involved unvaccinated individuals, with many of the remaining cases lacking vaccination data. Coverage across the Americas is below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity; only 85% of the population has received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Despite the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and access issues, experts stress the importance of addressing these gaps to prevent further outbreaks. Quick identification and response to cases, alongside sustained vaccination efforts, are crucial in managing the current public health crisis.
