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Measles epidemic in North and Central America
In 2026 measles cases rose sharply across the Americas, with the largest outbreaks in Guatemala and Mexico. Guatemala declared a red alert in January 2026 after measles was confirmed in a participant of a religious gathering attended by about 2,000 people from several countries.
Open on the interactive globeAccording to the PAHO epidemiological alert of 7 August 2026, 47,459 measles cases, including 44 deaths, had been confirmed in the region by epidemiological week 28. Guatemala (30,371 cases, 26 deaths) and Mexico (12,255 cases, 17 deaths, including 6,603 in Jalisco) reported the most cases, followed by the United States (2,260), Peru (1,277) and Canada (1,107). PAHO urges stronger surveillance and catch-up vaccination, and the Guatemalan Red Cross ran an IFRC DREF operation for 3,000 people.
Numbers with sources
| Value | As of | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 44 | July 2026 | paho.org |
Needs
- health
Who is helping
Organisations that, according to their own publications, work on this event (2). Donations go directly to each organisation's own website - GLOBURNS does not handle payments.
- Guatemalan Red Cross (CRG)The Guatemalan Red Cross provides rescue, first aid and community health activities. Since January 2026 it has responded to the measles epidemic through an IFRC DREF…Donate on the organisation's website (cruzroja.gt)
- World Health Organization (WHO)WHO directs international cooperation on public health and responds to health emergencies. In the occupied Palestinian territory it publishes situation reports and runs…Donate on the organisation's website (donate.who.foundation)
Sources
- paho.org paho.org/sites/default/files/2026/08/2026-august-7-phe-epi-alert-measlesenfinal.pdf
- paho.org paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-alert-measles-americas-region-7-august-2026
- goadmin.ifrc.org goadmin.ifrc.org/api/v2/event/7777/
- paho.org paho.org/es/noticias/17-9-2026-abuelas-comadronas-totonicapan-se-suman-respuesta-ante-bro…
Seed record, before editorial verification. Every number links to its source; report errors on the Corrections page. Methodology · Corrections
Other events in this category
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- Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan South and Central Asia
- Humanitarian crisis in Syria Middle East
- Ebola epidemic in eastern DRC Central Africa
- Energy and humanitarian crisis in Cuba Caribbean
- Crisis in Venezuela and migration South America
- Drought and hunger in Somalia Horn of Africa
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