The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert urging countries to strengthen measles surveillance and vaccination as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The tournament, running from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, coincides with a global surge in measles cases.
This year, over 184,000 cases have been reported in 155 countries by May 13, with nearly half confirmed. In the Americas alone, 20,521 cases and 25 deaths were recorded in 16 countries by mid-May-a fourfold increase over the same period in 2025.
Mexico has been hit hardest with 10,920 cases and 13 deaths, followed by Guatemala (6,209 cases, 12 deaths), the US (1,952 cases), and Canada (1,018 cases). Most infections have occurred among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
PAHO recommends that travelers aged six months and older who cannot prove vaccination receive a measles-rubella shot at least two weeks before travel. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Those developing symptoms should seek immediate care, wear a mask, avoid public places for seven days, and inform health professionals of their travel history upon return.
The agency also urges enhanced surveillance in high-risk areas such as borders, airports, and ports, along with rapid response teams and improved international coordination for outbreak control.