The measles epidemic is intensifying on the American continent, mainly in Mexico, Guatemala, the United States and Canada, the Pan American Health Organization warned on Thursday. Tourists who will travel to North America for the 2026 World Cup are urged to exercise caution and be vaccinated.

Published on: 04/24/2026 - 05:20 Modified on: 04/24/2026 - 08:04

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned Thursday April 23 against the intensification of the measles epidemic on the American continent, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 Football World Cup which will be held in June in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Measles cases recorded on the continent have been on the rise since 2025, mainly in North American countries that once eliminated this highly contagious and deadly disease. Last year, more than 14,700 confirmed cases of measles were reported across 13 countries in the Americas and caused dozens of deaths, or "around 32 times" the level of cases recorded in 2024, PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa recalled during a press conference.

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And “this trend continues in 2026 and accelerates”, with now “more than 15,300 cases” on the clock, mainly in Mexico, Guatemala, the United States and Canada, he warned. “The reappearance of measles in the Americas constitutes a significant setback, but one which can be entirely overcome” thanks to vaccination, he said.

Measles causes fever, respiratory symptoms and rash, and in some cases more serious complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain which can cause serious after-effects and death.

“People have forgotten”

If measles vaccines are very effective and allowed these countries to eradicate this disease decades ago, the increase in vaccine skepticism, as well as difficulties in accessing vaccines in certain countries, have provided favorable conditions for this return to the increase in contamination.

“People have forgotten. Because they no longer see massive epidemics and many children dying around them, they wonder why vaccinate, but measles has never been eradicated (globally) like smallpox, and as soon as this virus finds a vulnerable person, it attacks them and is merciless,” insists Daniel Salas, in charge of vaccination programs for the organization to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

In this context, and with the approach of the 2026 World Cup which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where the virus is circulating, the doctor calls on tourists to ensure that they are well vaccinated and to take numerous precautions in case of doubt about contamination.

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Nearly 7 million visitors are expected in the 16 host cities of the extraordinary competition, with for the first time a tournament with 48 teams and 104 matches played. In addition to the stadiums, each city will organize “fan festivals” where thousands of supporters will gather to watch the matches on giant screens.

“Measles is an airborne disease that spreads very easily. The virus can even remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room,” he recalls.

Asked by AFP, the American Department of Health, today led by an anti-vaccine figure and whose management of the measles epidemic has been strongly criticized, said it was "in coordination with its federal partners" and working "in close collaboration with FIFA and local stakeholders to guarantee the health and safety of Americans and foreign visitors during the World Cup".

With AFP

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