The proximity of World Cup 2026based in Canada, the United States and Mexico, Concern about the increase in the number of measles cases in the American continent and the rest of the world increases.
This week, the Ministry of Health issued a warning about the possible increase in measles cases in Brazil after the 2026 World Cup. The ministry is keeping an eye on the reintroduction of the virus into the national territory through the flow of travelers.
This year, the competition takes place between June 11th and July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico, countries facing . According to Agência Brasil, the note mentions a “imminent risk of spread after these travelers return or the arrival of foreigners, perhaps infected”.
The Ministry advises Brazilians who go to the World Cup to check whether they have taken doses of the Triple Viral vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps and rubella). If you have not taken it, it is necessary update the vaccination record. However, this step must be done at least 15 days in advance of the boarding date, so that the body creates the necessary protection.
When returning to Brazil, be alert to the emergence of fever and red spots on the body. If this occurs, seek immediate medical help.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious acute infectious viral disease. Transmission occurs mainly through the air or respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing, speaking or breathing. The virus that causes the infection can spread quickly in environments with large concentrations of people.
O Brazil maintains its status as a country free from endemic circulation of the measles virusachieved in 2024.
Last year, 14,891 cases of the disease were recorded in 14 countries in the Americas, with 29 deaths. This year, until March 5th alone, there were 7,145 confirmed infections.
However, the Pan American Health Organization issued, on Friday (24), a warning about the rise in cases and warned of the importance of vaccination.
“The main challenge is not the availability of vaccines, but reaching people who are not yet protected in time,” said the director of PAHO, Jarbas Barbosa, at a press conference held in Washington, United States.
