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Measles Outbreak in Americas Prompts Vaccination Alert
The Pan American Health Organization has issued an epidemiological alert urging countries across the Americas to strengthen measles vaccination and surveillance as cases continue to rise sharply across the region.
The measles outbreak in the Americas has prompted the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to call for stronger vaccination efforts and disease surveillance as transmission continues across multiple countries.
The regional health agency warned that the Americas are experiencing their highest number of measles cases in more than two decades, with 47,500 confirmed cases reported in 16 countries and 44 deaths in three countries so far this year.
The increase represents more than three times the number of cases recorded during all of 2025, when 15,000 infections were reported across 15 countries and 32 deaths were recorded.
Four Countries Account for Most Cases
Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Peru account for approximately 95% of confirmed cases, making them the main centers of transmission identified in the regional outbreak.
PAHO’s warning comes as health authorities across the Americas seek to close vaccination gaps that have allowed measles to regain a foothold in the region. The disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among people who lack immunity.
In its latest epidemiological guidance, PAHO has urged countries to strengthen surveillance, identify suspected cases quickly and expand vaccination activities in communities where immunity gaps persist. The organization has also emphasized the importance of rapid responses when new cases are detected.
Vaccination Gaps Remain a Major Concern
Regional vaccination coverage has improved in recent years but remains below the level considered necessary to prevent sustained outbreaks. PAHO recommends maintaining coverage of at least 95% with measles-containing vaccines to reduce the risk of transmission.
The agency’s recent assessments have also found that a large share of confirmed cases in the current outbreak involve people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Young children, particularly infants, face some of the highest incidence rates.
The Dominican Republic is part of the same regional health environment and is connected to the wider Americas through extensive international travel. For travelers planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, understanding current vaccination recommendations can also help them prepare for international travel safely.
PAHO has also highlighted the need for countries to strengthen preparedness as international travel increases and large-scale events bring people from different countries into closer contact. The organization’s regional recommendations include active case-finding, laboratory confirmation and rapid investigation of suspected infections.
Americas Face Renewed Measles Transmission
The resurgence marks a setback for a region that had made major progress against measles. PAHO has described the current situation as a consequence of persistent immunity gaps and declining vaccination coverage in some populations.
The organization continues to monitor the outbreak and has called on governments to use vaccination campaigns and stronger surveillance systems to interrupt transmission. Closing gaps in routine immunization remains central to preventing measles from becoming established again across the region.
