The combination of increasing measles transmission and increased international travel creates conditions that could accelerate the spread of the disease during large-scale events, the UN-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned in an alert.
He urged authorities to step up surveillance, identify the highest-risk areas and ensure travelers have access to vaccination information and services ahead of the World Cup and other mass gatherings.
Increase in the number of measles cases
People everywhere are preparing for the tournament, which will be held from June 11 to July 19. For the first time, the world’s largest sporting event will take place in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The World Cup is held as Measles is increasing worldwide.and throughout the American continent. This year, as of May 13, more than 184,000 cases had been reported in 155 countries, and almost half were confirmed..
The majority, 29 percent, were in the Southeast Asian region, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean, 21 percent, while Africa and the Americas each accounted for 19 percent of the global toll.
Regional situation
Across the American continent, 20,521 cases of measles and 25 deaths were confirmed in mid-May in 16 countries and one territory.representing a fourfold increase over 5,123 cases during the same period in 2025 and already exceeding the total number of cases recorded that year.
Since January, Mexico has confirmed 10,920 cases and 13 deaths, while Guatemala has reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has reported 1,018 cases and the US 1952.
Other countries – including Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay—They have also reported cases related to outbreaks or imports.
Most reported measles cases occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Safe travels
Before the World Cup, PAHO recommends that Countries recommend that travelers six months or older who cannot provide proof of vaccination receive one dose of the measles and rubella vaccine.preferably two weeks before heading to areas where transmission has been documented.
They should also be given information about the signs and symptoms of measles and rubella, which include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
Those who develop symptoms should seek immediate care, wear a medical mask, avoid close contact with others and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of transmission.
Upon returning home, they will need to inform healthcare professionals about their recent travel history.
Healthy goals
PAHO also called on countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas such as border regions, airports and ports.
The health agency further recommends improving active case finding, ensuring rapid investigation of suspected cases, maintaining trained rapid response teams, and strengthening coordination for international contact tracing and outbreak response when necessary.
