Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Measles cases top 55,000 in the Americas as health agency urges vaccination
The Pan American Health Organization says measles caused 55,792 confirmed cases and 77 deaths in the Americas in 2026, up sharply from the previous year.
Guatemala had the most cases, followed by Mexico; the United States, Peru and Canada were also among the five countries with the most infections.
The agency warns that travel and large gatherings planned in Argentina, Peru and Uruguay could help the virus spread.
Measles travels through the air, and an infected person can pass it on before a rash appears.
The agency links the rise in cases to vaccination coverage below the 95% it says is needed for each of the two recommended doses.
It estimates that 1.6 million children in the region received no measles vaccine in 2025, amid access barriers and delays in vaccination programs.
Young children, Indigenous people, migrants and displaced people face particular risks.
The agency is urging stronger vaccination efforts as outbreaks remain active.
The Pan American Health Organization reported 55,792 confirmed measles cases and 77 deaths in the Americas in 2026.
It urged countries to strengthen vaccination as outbreaks, travel and planned large gatherings raise the risk of further spread.
Guatemala had the most reported cases and deaths, followed by Mexico.
The agency said vaccination coverage remains below the 95% level it recommends for both doses.
It estimated that 1.6 million children in the Americas received no measles vaccine dose in 2025.
- Who
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported the figures and urged stronger vaccination.
- What
- The Americas recorded 55,792 confirmed measles cases and 77 deaths in 2026.
- When
- Through early October 2026; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Americas, with the most cases reported in Guatemala and Mexico.
- Why
- PAHO linked the risk of spread to active outbreaks, travel, large gatherings and vaccination coverage below its recommended level.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The first measles vaccine dose reached 88% of the target population in the Americas, while the second reached 85%.
An estimated 1.6 million children in the Americas received no measles vaccine dose.
PAHO recorded 55,792 confirmed cases and 77 deaths in the Americas through early October.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted 4,080 confirmed cases in the United States.
- Confirmed cases
- 55,792 in the Americas through early October 2026
- Deaths
- 77 in the Americas during 2026
- Guatemala
- 34,355 cases and 50 deaths
- Mexico
- 13,595 cases and 23 deaths
- Vaccination target
- 95% coverage for each of the two doses
- Unvaccinated children
- 1.6 million received no measles vaccine dose in 2025
Sources
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