"Mexico and the US both reported thousands of measles cases last year, threatening their measles elimination status. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, has issued a new report warning of an uptick in measles cases throughout the region. On Wednesday, the organisation issued an epidemiological alert that called for member states to strengthen routine surveillance and vaccination activities in order to combat the spread of the disease."
"The sharp increase in measles cases in the Americas Region during 2025 and early 2026 is a warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated action by Member States, PAHO said in a statement. Overall, in the first three weeks of 2026 alone, PAHO documented 1,031 cases of measles in the Americas. Throughout 2025, a total of 14,891 cases were confirmed."
"Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus capable of infecting nine out of every 10 people exposed to it, if they are unvaccinated. In most cases, symptoms of the disease clear up within several weeks. However, measles can be deadly or cause life-altering health complications, particularly among young children. Some sufferers find themselves with ear infections and lung inflammation. Others experience pneumonia or encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can cause lasting damage, including seizures and memory loss."
PAHO issued an epidemiological alert after measles cases surged across the Americas, urging member states to strengthen routine surveillance and vaccination. Overall, 14,891 measles cases were confirmed in 2025, and 1,031 cases were documented in the first three weeks of 2026. Large outbreaks occurred in North America, notably the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly or cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, ear infections, and lung inflammation, especially in young children. Vaccination with the combined MMR vaccine is the only effective prevention, with doses recommended before 15 months and before age six.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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