Measles cases in the Americas surged 32-fold in 2025, with Canada seeing 5,436 cases and 29 deaths, prompting urgent calls for vaccination.

An international health alert from PAHO warns of a surge in measles cases across the Americas, with a 32-fold increase in 13 countries in 2025 compared to 2024, totaling 14,891 cases and 29 deaths. Canada reported 5,436 cases and two deaths in 2025, with 67 cases in January 2026. Early 2026 data show a 43-fold rise in cases across seven countries, mostly among unvaccinated teens and young adults. The PAHO urges stronger vaccination and surveillance efforts, stressing the importance of MMR immunization to prevent spread.