The combination of increasing measles transmission and increased international travel creates conditions that can accelerate the spread of the disease during major events, the UN-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned in a warning.
It called on authorities to step up surveillance, identify the highest risk areas and ensure travelers have access to information and vaccination services ahead of the World Cup and other mass gatherings.
Increasing measles cases
People everywhere are gearing up for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. For the first time ever, the world’s biggest sporting event will be held in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The WC takes place as measles is increasing globallyand across America. This year, more than 184,000 cases were reported in 155 countries as of May 13, and nearly half were confirmed.
The majority, 29 percent, was in the Southeast Asia region, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean, 21 percent, while Africa and the Americas each accounted for 19 percent of the global toll.
Regional situation
Across the Americas, 20,521 measles cases and 25 deaths were confirmed in 16 countries and one territory as of mid-Maythat represents a quadrupling over the 5,123 cases in the same period in 2025 and already exceeded the total case volume registered that year.
Since January has Mexico has confirmed 10,920 cases and 13 deaths, while Guatemala has reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths. Canada has reported 1,018 cases and the US 1,952.
Other countries – among them Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay—has also reported cases related to outbreaks or imports.
Most reported measles cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Safe travels
This is what PAHO recommends before the World Cup countries advise travelers six months and older who cannot provide proof of vaccination to receive a dose of measles-rubella vaccinepreferably two weeks before the trip to areas where infection has been documented.
They should also be provided with information about the signs and symptoms of measles and rubella, which include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
Those who develop symptoms should seek immediate care, wear a medical face mask, avoid close contact with others and stay away from public places for seven days to reduce the risk of transmission.
When they return home, they should inform healthcare professionals of their recent travel history.
Healthy goals
PAHO also called on countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas such as border regions, airports and ports.
The Danish Health Authority also recommends strengthening active case-finding, ensuring rapid investigation of suspected cases, maintaining trained rapid response teams and strengthening coordination for international contact tracing and outbreak response when necessary.
