Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
PAHO warns mass religious events could spread measles in South America
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that large religious events and increased travel could help measles spread in South America.
The concern comes amid ongoing outbreaks, gaps in vaccination and cases appearing in new areas.
From January 4 to October 3, 2026, the Americas recorded 55,792 confirmed cases and 77 deaths across 17 countries and territories, 4.8 times the cases reported over the same period in 2025.
Measles spreads through the air and can pass between people before the telltale rash appears.
In 2025, 88% of people in the region received a first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and 85% received a second dose; PAHO says 95% coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks.
People planning to attend large events are advised to check their vaccination status, and those aged six months or older without proof of vaccination should get a dose before travelling or attending, preferably at least two weeks ahead.
PAHO is urging countries to step up vaccination, monitoring and rapid responses to cases.
PAHO warned that mass religious events and increased travel could raise the risk of measles spreading in South America.
The agency urged countries to strengthen vaccination, disease surveillance and rapid response measures.
From January 4 to October 3, 55,792 confirmed cases and 77 deaths were reported in 17 countries and territories in the Americas.
The case total was 4.8 times higher than during the same period in 2025.
Regional vaccination coverage in 2025 remained below the 95% level needed to prevent outbreaks.
- Who
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued the warning. It urged countries and people planning to attend mass events to check measles vaccination.
- What
- PAHO warned that mass religious events and increased travel could spread measles.
- When
- The regional risk assessment was published on Friday, October 9. The article was published October 12, 2026.
- Where
- South America, amid a wider rise in cases across the Americas.
- Why
- Measles is highly contagious, and travel and large gatherings create more opportunities for transmission, especially among populations with low immunity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Regional coverage reached 88% for the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and 85% for the second dose.
The Americas recorded 55,792 confirmed measles cases and 77 deaths in 17 countries and territories.
PAHO published a regional risk assessment warning of measles spread linked to mass events and travel.
- Confirmed cases
- 55,792
- Deaths
- 77
- Countries and territories reporting cases
- 17
- Case increase
- 4.8 times the total for the same period in 2025
- Regional vaccine coverage, 2025
- 88% for the first dose; 85% for the second dose
- Coverage level needed to prevent outbreaks
- 95%
Sources
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