Regional health agency issues measles alert for World Cup

The combination of rising measles transmission and increased international travel creates conditions that could accelerate the spread of the disease during large-scale events, the UN-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned in an alert. 

It urged authorities to step up surveillance, identify the highest-risk areas and ensure that travellers have access to information and vaccination services ahead of the World Cup and other mass gatherings.  

Rising measles caseload

People everywhere are gearing up for the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.  For the first time ever, the world’s biggest sporting event is being held in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.  

The World Cup takes place as measles is on the rise globally, and across the Americas. This year, more than 184,000 cases were reported in 155 countries by 13 May, and nearly half were confirmed. 

The majority, 29 per cent, were in the Southeast Asia region, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean, 21 per cent, while Africa and the Americas each accounted for 19 per cent of the global toll. 

Regional situation

Across the Americas, 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths were confirmed in 16 countries and one territory by mid-May, representing a fourfold increase over the 5,123 cases during the same period in 2025 and already surpassing the total caseload recorded that year. 

Since January, Mexico has confirmed 10,920 cases and 13 deaths, while Guatemala has reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has reported 1,018 cases and the US 1,952. 

Other countries–among them Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay—have also reported cases linked to outbreaks or importations. 

Most reported measles cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.  

Safe travels

Ahead of the World Cup, PAHO recommends that countries advise travellers aged six months and older who cannot provide proof of vaccination to receive a dose of measles-rubella vaccine, preferably two weeks before heading to areas where transmission has been documented. 

They should also be provided with information on the signs and symptoms of measles and rubella, which include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. 

Those who develop symptoms should seek immediate care, wear a medical facemask, avoid close contact with others, and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of transmission.  

On returning home, they should inform health professionals about their recent travel history. 

Healthy goals

PAHO also called on countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas such as border regions, airports and ports.  

The health agency further recommends enhancing active case-finding, ensuring rapid investigation of suspected cases, maintaining trained rapid response teams, and strengthening coordination for international contact tracing and outbreak response when necessary.