The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a UN-backed entity, has reported that a combination of increasing measles cases and heightened international travel has created conditions that could accelerate the disease’s spread during major events. Ahead of the World Cup and other mass gatherings, PAHO is urging authorities to enhance surveillance, identify high-risk areas, and ensure travelers have access to information and vaccination services.
Rising Measles Burden
Preparations are underway globally for the World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19. This major sporting event is being held across three countries for the first time: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The World Cup is occurring at a time when measles cases are on the rise globally and across the Americas. This year, over 184,000 cases have been reported in 155 countries as of May 13, with nearly half confirmed. The Southeast Asia region accounts for 29% of cases, the Eastern Mediterranean for 21%, while Africa and the Americas each represent 19% of the global case burden.
Regional Situation
By mid-May, the Americas had confirmed 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths across 16 countries and one territory. This figure represents a fourfold increase compared to 5,123 cases recorded in the same period in 2025 and already surpasses the total case load registered that year. Mexico has reported 10,920 cases and 13 deaths since January, while Guatemala has reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has reported 1,018 cases, and the U.S. has reported 1,952 cases. Other countries, including Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Uruguay, have also reported outbreaks or imported cases. The majority of reported measles cases have occurred among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Safe Travels
In anticipation of the World Cup, PAHO recommends that countries advise travelers aged six months and older who cannot provide proof of vaccination to receive a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, preferably two weeks before traveling to areas where the virus’s spread has been documented. Information should also be provided regarding symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Those who develop symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, wear a medical face mask, avoid close contact with others, and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of transmission. Upon returning home, they should inform health professionals about their recent travel history.
Healthy Destinations
PAHO also calls on countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas, including border regions, airports, and seaports. The health organization further advises enhancing active case finding, ensuring rapid investigation of suspected cases, having trained rapid response teams available, and reinforcing coordination for international contact tracing and outbreak response when necessary.
