Measles Outbreak in the Americas Reaches 55,792 Cases, 77 Deaths, with Guatemala Leading

The Pan American Health Organization’s 13th regional situation report shows a sharp rise in measles across the Americas, with 55,792 confirmed cases reported between epidemiological weeks 1 and 39 of 2026—an almost five‑fold increase from the same period last year. Guatemala accounts for 34,355 cases, followed by Mexico (13,595), the United States (3,887), Peru (2,553) and Canada (1,121). Seventy‑seven deaths have been recorded, 50 in Guatemala, 23 in Mexico, two in the United States, one in Peru and one in Bolivia; the United States and Peru have reported their first deaths of the year. In weeks 37–38, new cases fell 35% to 687, yet the United States (293) and Guatemala (200) remain the largest contributors. Despite some declines, low‑level transmission may persist, threatening to sustain virus circulation for over a year and jeopardize measles‑free status in affected countries.