Situation Report #2: Measles in the Americas Region

 Between epidemiological weeks (EW) 1 and EW 16 of 2026, countries in the Region of the Americas reported 18,352 confirmed measles cases including 15 deaths. In 2025, 14,503 measles cases were reported, including 32 deaths. This follows a marked rise in cases during 2025, with continued acceleration observed in early 2026. 

Since the publication of Situation Report No. 1 (EW 12, 2026), an additional 3,887 confirmed cases including six deaths have been reported, reflecting continued expansion of outbreaks in Mexico and Guatemala, sustained transmission in Canada, and newly reported cases in Peru. 

The highest number of confirmed cases in 2026 have been reported in Mexico (10,049 cases), Guatemala (5,399 cases), the United States of America (1,792 cases), and Canada (944 cases). 

Transmission continues to disproportionately affect children, particularly those aged 1–9 years, with the highest incidence rates observed among infants aged under one year. 

Available vaccination data indicate that a substantial proportion of confirmed cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals.