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Measles Surge: Americas Alerted as Cases Skyrocket
5 Feb
Summary
- Pan American Health Organization issued a new alert due to a measles surge.
- 78% of recent measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals.
- Mexico leads with 740 cases; US has 171, and Canada has 67.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a new epidemiological alert on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, due to a sharp rise in measles cases throughout the Americas. Mexico is currently reporting the highest numbers, with a significant concern that both the United States and Mexico could soon lose their measles-free status, mirroring Canada's situation since November 2025.
The alert comes as PAHO confirmed 1,031 new measles cases across seven countries in the first three weeks of 2026, a 43-fold increase compared to the same period last year. Mexico leads with 740 cases, followed by the U.S. with 171 and Canada with 67. Jalisco state in Mexico has the highest incidence rate.
This surge is attributed to a global resurgence and persistent immunization gaps, with 78% of recent cases involving unvaccinated people. While adolescents and young adults are most affected, children under one year old show the highest incidence rates, emphasizing the need for strengthened second-dose vaccination coverage across the region.
