Spanish
Mexico City.- Mexico leads measles mortality in the Americas and is the second country with the most infections in 2025, according to the new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
As of September 9, PAHO counted 4,553 cases and 19 deaths in Mexico, second only to Canada in number of cases (4,849) and ahead of United States (1,454).
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However, official figures from the Mexican government indicate that as of this Friday, 21 deaths from measles have been recorded and more than 4,630 confirmed cases across 23 states. In total, the region has 11,313 cases and 23 deaths in 10 member countries, according to the PAHO report. The organization detailed that Canada, Mexico, and the United States, in North America, concentrate 96% of the regional measles burden this year. It also indicates cases in Bolivia (320), Brazil (28), Argentina (35), Belize (34), Paraguay (35), Peru (4) and Costa Rica (1). The agency attributes the increase to vaccination gaps and imports from outside and inside the region. "Measles is a preventable disease thanks to vaccination, but low coverage in vulnerable communities is driving outbreaks," said the manager of the Special Program on Comprehensive Immunization of PAHO, Daniel Salas. "Strengthening vaccination - knowing that the measles vaccine is very safe and effective - is essential to protect millions in the Americas," he added. The epidemiological update underlines that more than 71% of the confirmed cases in the region were not vaccinated and that another 18% had no vaccination record. By age groups, those under one year old show the highest incidence rates. In this context, PAHO calls for achieving and sustaining a coverage of at least 95% with two vaccine doses to cut transmission. Regional coverage slightly improved in 2024 (89% for the first dose SRP1 and 79% for the second, SRP2), but only 31% and 20% of countries exceeded the 95% threshold, respectively. The PAHO also recommended vaccinating contacts of cases up to 39 years of age immediately, as well as administering vitamin A to confirmed cases to reduce complications. He also asked to strengthen surveillance in border areas and vaccinate international travelers without a vaccination history at least ten days before visiting areas with active transmission.
