The regional health agency issued a measles warning for the World Cup

The combination of increased measles transmission and increased international travel creates conditions that can accelerate the spread of the disease during large-scale events, the UN-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) be warned in a state of alert.

They urged authorities to step up surveillance, identify areas of highest risk and ensure that travelers have access to vaccination information and services ahead of the World Cup and other mass gatherings.

Increased measles caseload

People everywhere are gearing up for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. For the first time, the world’s largest sporting event was held in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The World Cup takes place as Measles is on the rise globallyand across America. This year, more than 184,000 cases were reported in 155 countries as of May 13, and nearly half were confirmed..

The majority, namely 29 percent, were in the Southeast Asia region, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean, at 21 percent, while Africa and the Americas each accounted for 19 percent of the global death toll.

Regional situation

Across the Americas, 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths were confirmed in 16 countries and one territory as of mid-May.represents a fourfold increase more than 5,123 cases in the same period in 2025 and has exceeded the total caseload recorded in 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 WE 1,952.

Other countries – among others Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay—have also reported cases linked to outbreaks or imports.

Most reported cases of measles occur in people who did not receive vaccination or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Safe journey

Ahead of the World Cup, PAHO recommends this countries advise travelers aged six months and older who cannot show proof of vaccination to receive a dose of the measles-rubella vaccinepreferably two weeks before leaving for an area where transmission has been recorded.

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 experiencing symptoms should seek treatment immediately, wear a medical mask, avoid close contact with others, and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of infection.

Upon returning home, they should inform a health professional about their recent travel history.

Healthy goals

PAHO also asked countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas such as border areas, airports and ports.

The health agency further recommended increasing 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.