PAHO asks for action to close the immunization gaps
Washington, DC, August 15, 2025 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urges the countries of the Americas to strengthen immunization activities, improve the surveillance of rapid response diseases and interventions, as measles cases continue to increase in the region. As of August 8, 2025, a total of 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 related deaths in ten countries have been reported, representing an increase of 34 times compared to the same period in 2024.
The outbreaks are mainly linked to low vaccination coverage, with 71% of cases that occur in non -vaccinated individuals and additional 18% in people whose vaccination status is unknown. In 2024, coverage with the first dose of the measles vaccine, papers and rubella (MMR) in the region reached 89% (two higher percentage points than in 2023), while the second dose increased from 76% to 79%. However, these levels remain below the 95% recommended to prevent outbreaks.
«Measles can be prevented with two doses of a vaccine, which is demonstrated that it is very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunization and perform specific vaccination campaigns in high -risk communities,» said Dr. Daniel Salas, executive manager of the Special Program for Integral Immunization in PAHO.
Countries with the number of higher cases include Canada (4,548 cases), Mexico (3,911 cases) and the United States (1,356 cases). Other countries that report confirmed cases are Bolivia (229), Argentina (35), Belize (34), Brazil (17), Paraguay (4), Peru (4) and Costa Rica (1). Paraguay is the last country to report an outbreak this year. Deaths have been reported in Mexico (14), United States (3) and Canada (1). In Mexico, most deaths have occurred in indigenous people between 1 and 54 years of age. Canada reported a fatal infection of congenital measles in a newborn.
The current outbreaks are associated with two genotypes of the measles virus. A genotype in sprouts in eight countries has been identified, particularly among the Mennonite communities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Belize, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. Since measles is a highly contagious viral disease, it spreads rapidly among non -vaccinated populations, especially children. However, recent data suggest a growing number of cases outside these groups.
The highlights of the countries
- In CanadaNational Trends shows that the transmission is persistent, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario, after an outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024.
- In MexicoA mass vaccination campaign aimed at people from 6 months to 49 years is underway in 14 priority municipalities that have active measles transmission in Chihuahua, which represents 93% of the cases of the country. Indigenous communities have been more affected, with a case ease rate 20 times greater than in the general population.
- He USA He has reported outbreaks in 41 jurisdictions, mainly among the Mennonite populations of little vaccinated, although new cases have been reported in Texas or New Mexico since the end of July.
- In BoliviaMost cases are concentrated in Santa Cruz, with additional cases reported in seven other departments, affecting both the general population and the Mennonite communities.
- Argentina and Belgo I have not seen new cases since the end of June.
- Brazil He has reported 16 cases in Tocantinos, linked to the regional outbreak and affecting the members of a small Russian Orthodox community.
PAHO RESPONSE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The PAHO is providing direct technical cooperation throughout the region to support surveillance, case investigation, outbreak, laboratory diagnosis and vaccination efforts. This includes deploying experts in countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Bolivia; Import risk monitoring in Brazil and Paraguay; strengthen surveillance systems; and work with communities and health workers to counteract erroneous information and promote the absorption of the vaccine.
The organization urges countries A:
- Achieve and maintain high immunization coverage (at least 95% with two doses of vaccine containing sarampos),
- Reinforce quick response systems to contain outbreaks quickly,
- Scale the vaccination strategies of selective approaches (such as ring or mop vaccination) to massive campaigns in outbreaks and high -risk areas, based on the epidemiological situation and the population movement.
- guarantee timely detection and laboratory confirmation,
- and involve communities at risk to improve health literacy and address vaccine vaccine.
The PAHO does not recommend travel restrictions, but advises travelers to make sure they are vaccinated, especially when they visit areas with active outbreaks. This includes children from 6 to 11 months, which are generally not covered by routine immunization programs, but should receive early protection in outbreak contexts.
Regional and Global Context
The Americas interrupted the endemic transmission of measles in 2016, a unique milestone worldwide. Although endemic transmission reappeared in Venezuela and Brazil in 2018 and 2019, both countries recovered their elimination status in 2023 and 2024, respectively. However, keeping measles in the Americas at bay remains a challenge, since the virus continues to circulate widely in other parts of the world and vaccination groups extend throughout the region.
Worldwide, the surveillance data of the World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 239,816 suspicious cases and 108,074 confirmed cases in all WHO regions, as of July 2025. The Eastern Mediterranean region represents the greatest participation (35%), followed by the Africa region (21%) and the European region (21%).
