Measles Cases Surge in the Americas, U.S. Reports Significant Increase
Between epidemiological weeks 1 and 43 of 2026, the Region of the Americas recorded 57,666 confirmed cases of measles across 17 countries and territories. This represents a 4.7-fold increase compared to the total cases reported in 2025. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, Peru, and Canada collectively account for 99.5% of these cases. During this period, 81 deaths were attributed to measles. In weeks 41 and 42 of 2026, there were 547 new confirmed cases reported in six countries, indicating a 38% decrease compared to the preceding period. The United States alone reported 332 of these new cases, highlighting its significant contribution to the regional total. The overall surge in measles cases across the Americas points to a concerning trend in public health.
