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[HEALTH] · Argentina, Switzerland · 5 sources

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Part of situation: Global measles resurgence and US reporting disputes (121 clusters)

Pan American Health Organization reports measles surge in the Americas

measles outbreak vaccination gaps Pan American Health Organization public health risk immunization coverage

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported a significant surge in measles cases across the Americas. Between January 4 and October 3, 2026, there were 55,792 confirmed cases and 77 deaths reported across 17 countries and territories. This represents a 4.8-fold increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 14,503 cases and 32 deaths were recorded.

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa attributed the rise to gaps in vaccination coverage. He emphasized that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, urging families to ensure children are fully immunized.

The organization warned of a very high risk of further spread, particularly due to upcoming mass religious events in South America which are expected to increase national and international travel. PAHO recommends that countries prioritize vaccination, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and implement infection control measures to prevent new outbreaks.

Entities

Jarbas Barbosa · Pan American Health Organization

Sources

Sarampión: los casos crecieron en las Américas [diariopampero.com]
Mantener coberturas vacunales homogéneas clave para evitar nuevos brotes de sarampión [www.immedicohospitalario.es]
PAHO rates measles risk very high, Canada fifth in region [canadanewsmedia.ca]
OPS evalúa muy alto el riesgo de propagación del sarampión en eventos religiosos en las Américas [swisslatin.ch]
La Comisión Regional de Monitoreo y Reverificación de la Eliminación del Sarampión y la Rubéola celebrará su sexta reunión anual en noviembre [www.paho.org]