The combination of increased measles transmission and increased international travel creates conditions that could accelerate the spread of the disease during large-scale events, the U.N.-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned in an alert.
He urged authorities to step up surveillance, identify higher 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 take place from June 11 to July 19. For the first time, the world’s biggest sporting event is taking place in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The World Cup takes place as measles is on the rise worldwideand across the Americas. This year, more than 184,000 cases have been reported in 155 countries as of May 13, and almost half have been confirmed..
The majority, 29 percent, were in the Southeast Asia 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 Americas, 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths have been confirmed in 16 countries and one territory as of mid-May.representing a multiplication by four above the 5,123 cases recorded during the same period in 2025 and already exceeding the total number of cases recorded that year.
Since January, Mexico confirmed 10,920 cases and 13 deaths, while Guatemala reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada reported 1,018 cases and the WE 1952.
Other countries, among them Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay— also reported cases linked to outbreaks or imports.
Most reported cases of measles occurred in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Travel safely
Before the World Cup, PAHO recommends that countries advise travelers aged six months and older who cannot provide proof of vaccination to receive one dose of measles and rubella vaccinepreferably two weeks before traveling to areas where transmission has been documented.
They should also receive information about the signs and symptoms of measles and rubella, including fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
Those who develop symptoms should seek medical care immediately, wear a medical mask, avoid close contact with others and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of transmission.
When they return home, they must inform health professionals of their recent travels.
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 enhancing 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.
