Measles Cases Increase 34-Fold in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently urged countries in the Americas to strengthen immunization activities as measles cases continue to rise in the region.

As of August 8, 2025, a total of 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 related deaths have been reported across ten countries, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Countries with the highest case numbers include Canada (4,548 cases), Mexico (3,911 cases), and the United States (1,356 cases).

In Mexico, most deaths have occurred in indigenous people between 1 and 54 years of age.

However, in the U.S., the state of Texas recently declared its measles outbreak had ended.

The current outbreaks are associated with two genotypes of the measles virus and linked to low vaccination coverage, with 71% of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.

One genotype has been identified in outbreaks across eight countries, particularly among Mennonite communities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Belize, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. 

In 2024, coverage with the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the region reached 89% (two percentage points higher than in 2023), while the second dose increased from 76% to 79%.

"Measles is preventable with two doses of a vaccine, which is proven to be very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities," said Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of the Special Program for Comprehensive Immunization at PAHO, in a press release on August 15, 2025.

Worldwide, measles cases continue to be reported in numerious countries in 2025. To alert international travelers, the U.S. CDC published a Level 1 Travel Health Advisory in May, recommending MMR vaccination before visiting outbreak areas.