Measles cases are escalating across the Americas, exposing a convergence of immunisation gaps, inequitable access, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and weakened institutional trust. According to the Pan American Health Organization, the region had reported 15,300 confirmed cases by mid-April 2026, already exceeding the 14,767 reported in all of 2025. Mexico and Guatemala accounted for the largest burdens, followed by the USA and Canada, with ongoing transmission in several countries.
The Lancet Regional Health – Americas (2026) studied this question.