A measles outbreak centered in Jalisco, Mexico, has prompted a regional health alert and a temporary mask mandate in seven Guadalajara neighborhoods for 30 days as the World Cup approaches in North America.

PAHO notes that the surge stems from vaccination gaps, with the highest cases among children under one year and a large share among adolescents and young adults; only about a third of countries meet 95% coverage for the first dose and 20% for the second.

Mexico has activated expanded vaccination efforts, including mobile clinics at airports and bus terminals, and Mexico City is rolling out 2,000 new vaccination modules to boost two-dose coverage outside health centers and in major subway stations.

Experts warn the World Cup could heighten transmission risk as international visitors arrive and surveillance intensifies.

Authorities stress full immunization against measles, particularly two doses, as a key defense against a potential surge during the World Cup period.

Public health officials reiterate vaccination as the primary preventive measure and urge broad uptake of two-dose vaccination for protection.

The outbreak underscores global resurgence concerns ahead of major travel events in 2026, highlighting the need to strengthen second-dose coverage and reach under-immunized populations.

Efforts include targeted campaigns and mass vaccination modules to curb transmission before large events like the FIFA World Cup.

The World Health Organization noted a dramatic drop in measles deaths since 2000, yet 2024 saw about 11 million cases worldwide, underscoring the need to strengthen vaccination coverage.

The article links vaccination gaps to rising cases, calling for intensified campaigns to reach underserved populations and curb transmission.

Authorities in the U.S. and Canada are monitoring vaccination status to protect region-wide measles-free status, with PAHO and WHO coordinating regional oversight.

PAHO and the WHO umbrella are overseeing the outbreak, with discussions on extending vaccination efforts and maintaining measles-free status in neighboring regions.