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According to the Pan American Health Organization, Canada has the highest number of measles cases on the continent, and requires more action to address the low vaccination rates.
Regional agencies within the World Health Organization, targeting North and South America, say measles has risen exponentially this year.
As of August 8, 10,139 confirmed cases of measles were recorded in 10 countries. This represents a 33-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when there were 311 cases.
Canada leads the pack in 4,548 measles cases, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.
Paho said the low vaccination rate is largely responsible, and we and Mexico have seen a big outbreak over the past year.
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Health agencies say countries should step up daily vaccinations and run targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities.
The coverage rate of vaccines in the region is 79% for the two required doses, below the recommended 95% to prevent outbreaks.
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Data from this group showed that 18 people died as a result of the outbreak. They have 14 in Mexico, three in the US and newborns from Canada.
Paho said outbreaks have been identified in the Mennonite community, but recent data suggest an increase in cases outside of these groups.
In Mexico, Pajo says a mass vaccination campaign is underway in Chihuahuas, where most of the 3,911 infections have occurred.
“Indigenous communities have been hit hardest, with litigation rates 20 times higher than the general population,” the report said.
The US has reported outbreaks in 41 jurisdictions, with a total of 1,356 cases.
“It is important to note that these numbers are dynamic and can change as the country continues to update its case count,” spokesman Sebastian Oliel said in an email.
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