PAHO issues alert to boost vaccination amid measles outbreak, continent sees most cases in decades

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an urgent epidemiological alert, calling on nations across the Americas to bolster vaccination campaigns in response to a significant measles outbreak. The organization warned that the continent is currently facing its highest number of measles cases in more than two decades.

As of this year, sixteen countries have reported a total of 47,500 confirmed measles cases, resulting in 44 fatalities across three nations. This figure represents more than a threefold increase compared to the entirety of last year, which saw 15,000 cases across fifteen countries and 32 deaths. The majority of these confirmed cases, approximately 95%, are concentrated in Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Peru.

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the continent registers the highest number of measles cases in more than two decades.

PAHO's assessment places the public health risk posed by measles in the Americas at a "very high" level. The organization highlighted concerns about rising mortality rates, the emergence of cases in previously unaffected areas driven by international travel and large gatherings, and the particular vulnerability of populations with limited access to healthcare services.

Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, presents symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a skin rash. While vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, severe complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and even death can occur in some individuals.

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the public health risk associated with measles in the Americas is classified as "very high."