More than 10,000 cases were recorded in 10 countries by 2025; PAHO SPEAKS IN LOW VACCINARY COVERAGE
Measles has already caused deaths in 18 countries in the Americas in 2025, according to the (Pan American Health Organization). 10,139 cases were confirmed in 10 countries, which represents 34 times more cases compared to the same period of the previous year.
Countries with the largest number of cases are Canada (4,548), Mexico (3,911) and the United States (1,356). The confirmed deaths were in these countries: 14 in Mexico, 3 in the US and 1 in Canada.
According to PAHO, Brazil presented 17 cases, still behind Bolivia (229), Argentina (35) and Belize (34).
Of the cases in Brazil, 12 were in Tocantins and are linked to a regional outbreak that affected a small Russian orthodox community.
According to PAHO, the outbreak in the Americas is mainly related to low vaccination coverage. The organization said 71% of cases occurred in non -vaccinated people and 18% in individuals with an unknown vaccination situation.
In 2024, the 1st dose coverage of the triple viral vaccine in the region reached 89% (2 more percentage points than in 2023), while the 2nd dose incidence increased from 76% to 79%. However, these levels remain below 95% recommended to prevent outbreaks.
“Measles can be prevented with two doses of a vaccine that is very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries should urgently strengthen routine immunization and conduct vaccination campaigns directed to high -risk communities”Said Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Integral Immunization Program.
The organization has stated that current outbreaks are associated with 2 measles virus genotypes. One of them was identified in 8 countries, especially in Menonitan communities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Belize, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay.
Since measles is highly contagious, it spreads rapidly among non -vaccinated populations, especially children. However, recent data show an increase in cases outside these groups.
In April, the WHO (World Health Organization) that outbreaks of avoidable diseases, such as measles, indicate flaws in vaccination.
In July, the Ministry of Health the intensification of vaccination in Brazilian cities.
The Americas were declared free from the endemic measles in 2016. Although endemic transmission reappeared in Venezuela and Brazil in 2018 and 2019, both countries recovered the elimination status in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Global, WHO data record 239,816 suspicious cases and 108,074 confirmed cases in all regions of the organization by July 2025. The Oriental Mediterranean region represents the highest proportion (35%), followed by Africa (21%) and Europe (21%).
