Washington, DC, July 3, 2025 (PAHO)-a total of 7,132 confirmed measles cases and 13 deaths have been informed in the region of the Americas in mid-June 2025, according to the latest epidemiological update of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This represents an increase of 29 times compared to the 244 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
Nine countries have reported cases in 2025, with Canada (3,170 cases, 1 death), Mexico (2,597 cases, 9 deaths) and the United States (1,227 cases, 3 deaths), which represent the majority. Other cases of countries report include Bolivia (60), Argentina (34), Belize (34), Brazil (5), Peru (4) and Costa Rica (1). The outbreaks originated from imports from countries inside and outside the region. The most affected age groups are children under 5 and adolescents from 10 to 19 years.
The increase in cases underlines the urgent need to address the gaps in routine immunization. Pah is asking countries to reach and maintain 95% coverage with two doses of vaccine containing sarampos, especially in communities with low coverage or active outbreaks.
PAHO is providing technical cooperation to most countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, train health workers and commit to communities to guarantee timely detection and an effective response. To contain the outbreaks and prevent the spread of this preventable vaccine disease, the organization recommends the urgent implementation of intensified vaccination campaigns in the affected areas and in those areas at risk of propagation. PAHO does not recommend implementing international travel restrictions.
The ascending trend reflects the global situation, where the surveillance data of the World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 188,355 suspicious cases and 88,853 confirmed in 168 countries as of June 6, 2025. The Eastern Mediterranean region represents the greatest participation (35%), followed by the African region (21%) and the European region (16%).
