PAHO is urging stronger measles vaccination efforts in the region, as cases drastically increased within the past year.
To date, its latest report said 11,313 cases and 23 deaths have been confirmed in ten countries, a 31-fold increase, compared to the 358 cases reported in the same period in 2024.
The outbreaks have primarily affected communities with low vaccination coverage or resistance to vaccination, with the most affected group being children under 1 year of age.
PAHO says vaccine hesitancy and limited access in vulnerable communities remain significant barriers.
