High measles cases in Canada, dramatic increase in North and South America need vaccination response: WHO
The World Health Organization has reported a significant surge in measles cases across North and South America, reaching levels not seen in two decades. Health officials are urging countries to improve vaccination coverage and surveillance to prevent further outbreaks.
Why it matters
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and the rise in cases highlights critical gaps in public health infrastructure and vaccination compliance.
A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin in 2025 in Odessa, Texas. Julio Cortez/The Canadian Press
Measles data from the World Health Organization show that Canada has half the number of confirmed cases as the United States, despite having a population only about one-tenth the size of its neighbour.
WHO says 47,459 measles cases have been confirmed across the Americas as of July 18, which is three times higher than the total reported cases all of last year in the region.
The United States has 2,260 of those cases, while Canada has confirmed 1,107.
The WHO says the disease has claimed 45 lives so far this year in the Americas, largely in Guatemala and Mexico.
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