Washington .- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported this Saturday that it has issued an epidemiological alert to urge countries in the Americas to strengthen vaccination in the face of the measles outbreak, after cases have tripled compared to last year.
PAHO warned in a statement that the American continent is recording the highest number of measles cases in more than two decades.
So far this year, 47,500 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in 16 countries and 44 deaths in three countries.
The figure represents more than triple the cases recorded throughout 2025, when there were 15,000 cases in 15 countries and 32 deaths in three countries.
95% of confirmed cases are concentrated in Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Peru, the PAHO detailed.
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Very high risk of measles
According to an assessment by the organization, the public health risk associated with measles in the Americas is classified as very high.
PAHO warns of the increase in mortality, the emergence of cases in new areas due to international travel and mass events, and the impact on populations without access to health services.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world, is transmitted through the air or via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs.
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Its symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and skin rash. In some cases, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, or even death.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease and avoid its spread.
