Americas face highest measles caseload in over 20 years
The Americas are experiencing their highest number of confirmed measles cases in over two decades. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), 47,459 cases were reported in the region as of July 18, a figure three times higher than the total recorded in 2025.
Guatemala and Mexico are among the hardest-hit nations. Guatemala has reported approximately 30,040 cases and 29 deaths, with officials noting that 4.7 million citizens lack adequate measles immunity due to historical vaccination gaps. The United States has recorded 2,260 cases, while Canada has confirmed 1,107 cases.
Collectively, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Peru account for roughly 95% of the region's confirmed cases. The WHO and PAHO have issued alerts urging countries to strengthen vaccination efforts, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response to address immunity gaps in under-vaccinated and vulnerable communities.
Entities: Canada · Daniel Salas · Guatemala · Mexico · Pan American Health Organization · United States · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] The United States has recorded 2,260 measles cases. (World Health Organization (WHO))
- [● 5 SOURCES] Measles has caused 45 deaths in the Americas so far this year, primarily in Guatemala and Mexico. (World Health Organization (WHO))
- [● 5 SOURCES] Canada has confirmed 1,107 measles cases. (World Health Organization (WHO))
- [● 3 SOURCES] Worldwide, approximately 186,000 measles cases have been reported as of July. (World Health Organization (WHO))
- [● 5 SOURCES] There have been 47,459 confirmed measles cases across the Americas as of July 18. (World Health Organization (WHO))
- [● 5 SOURCES] North and South America are experiencing their highest number of confirmed measles cases in over two decades. (Pan American Health Organization (PAHO))
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 4.7 million people in Guatemala lack protection against measles. (Guatemala Ministry of Health)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Guatemala has recorded 30,040 cumulative measles cases and 29 deaths as of June 24. (Guatemala Ministry of Health)