UN Agency Warns of Measles Surge Across Americas, Urges Action

PAHO calls for urgent steps to boost vaccination and surveillance amid sharp rise in cases in 2025 and 2026.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has issued an epidemiological alert highlighting a significant surge in measles cases throughout the Americas region during 2025 and the early part of 2026. PAHO stressed the urgent need for member states to bolster routine surveillance and immunization programs to address the sharp increase in measles cases.

Why it matters

The Americas had previously achieved measles elimination status, but persistent outbreaks now threaten the elimination status of countries like the United States and Mexico. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, making vaccination critical to protect vulnerable populations.

The details

According to PAHO's report, the Americas recorded 1,031 confirmed measles cases in just the first three weeks of 2026, and a total of 14,891 confirmed cases for the full year of 2025. The most severe outbreaks have been reported in North America, particularly affecting the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where case numbers remain alarmingly high. Measles can infect up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals exposed to it, and while symptoms typically resolve within weeks, the disease poses serious risks that can lead to long-term issues.

  • In the first three weeks of 2026, the Americas recorded 1,031 confirmed measles cases.
  • For the full year of 2025, the total reached 14,891 confirmed measles cases.

The players

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

A specialized agency of the United Nations that has issued an epidemiological alert about the surge in measles cases across the Americas.

United States

One of the countries in North America that has experienced a significant measles outbreak, with 2,242 cases in 2025 and 171 in the first three weeks of 2026.

Mexico

Another country in North America that has seen a major measles outbreak, reporting the highest regional total in 2025 with 6,428 cases and an additional 740 cases in the first three weeks of 2026.

Canada

Canada lost its measles elimination status in November after multiple outbreaks since October 2024, recording 5,436 cases in 2025 and 67 in the opening three weeks of 2026.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who has previously stated that the MMR vaccine 'wanes very quickly' and suggested associated health risks, assertions contradicted by experts and agencies like the CDC.

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What’s next

PAHO has indicated it will review the elimination status of the United States and Mexico during a virtual meeting scheduled for April 13.

The takeaway

The surge in measles cases across the Americas underscores the critical importance of sustained high vaccination coverage to reverse the resurgence and protect vulnerable populations. Misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy must be addressed to ensure communities are adequately protected against this highly contagious disease.