The Pan American Health Organization has issued an epidemiological alert urging countries to strengthen measles surveillance and vaccination measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid a fourfold increase in cases across the Americas.
The alert comes as measles transmission continues to rise globally and within the region. According to the World Health Organization, 184,489 measles cases were reported across 155 countries between January 1 and May 13, 2026, with over 54 percent confirmed by laboratory testing.
In the Americas alone, 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths were confirmed in 16 countries and one territory during the first 20 weeks of 2026. This represents a fourfold increase compared with the same period in 2025 and has already surpassed the total number of cases recorded throughout last year.
Mexico has reported 10,920 cases and 13 deaths so far in 2026, while Guatemala has confirmed 6,209 cases with 12 deaths. Canada has recorded 1,018 cases and the United States has reported 1,952 cases.
PAHO recommends that countries implement active case-finding to document the absence of measles and rubella cases, particularly in settings that attract large gatherings such as mass sporting events.
The organization is advising travelers aged six months and older who cannot provide proof of vaccination with two doses or immunity to receive a measles-rubella vaccine at least two weeks before traveling to areas with documented transmission.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 across venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.