UN agency warns of ‘sharp increase’ in measles cases across Mexico, US

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Washington: A United Nations health agency has warned of a sharp increase in measles cases across the Americas, raising concerns that countries including the United States and Mexico could lose their measles elimination status.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on Wednesday urging member states to strengthen routine surveillance and vaccination efforts. The agency said the rise in cases during 2025 and early 2026 was a “warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated action”.

According to PAHO, 1,031 measles cases were recorded in the Americas during the first three weeks of 2026 alone, following 14,891 confirmed cases across the region in 2025.

North America has seen some of the largest outbreaks, with the United States, Mexico and Canada reporting high case numbers.

In the US, 171 new cases were reported in early 2026, following 2,242 cases last year. Major outbreaks were recorded in South Carolina and Texas, where most cases involved unvaccinated individuals and two unvaccinated children died.

Mexico, which had achieved measles elimination in 1996, reported 6,428 cases in 2025, the highest in the region, with 740 additional cases already reported in early 2026.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, and the entire Americas region was considered measles-free in 2016. However, PAHO said continued outbreaks could now put that status at risk. The agency plans to review the situation in the US and Mexico during a virtual meeting on April 13.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children. Health experts say vaccination remains the only effective way to prevent its spread.