Latest news with #PAHO
Canada News.Net
16 hours ago
- Health
- Canada News.Net
Low vaccination drives measles surge in North America, says PAHO
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted that measles cases are surging across the Americas, with North America seeing the sharpest rise and 18 deaths recorded so far this year in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. As of August 8, PAHO confirmed 10,139 measles cases across 10 countries in the region, a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of the 18 deaths, 14 were in Mexico, three in the United States, and one in Canada. Many of the fatalities in Mexico were among Indigenous people aged 1 to 54. The agency attributed the outbreaks largely to low vaccination coverage, noting that 71 percent of reported cases occurred in unvaccinated people, while another 18 percent involved individuals whose vaccination status was unknown. "Measles is preventable with two doses of a vaccine, which is proven to be very safe and effective," said Daniel Salas, PAHO's immunization lead. "To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities." Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and spreads quickly among unvaccinated populations, especially children. PAHO has urged governments in the region to ramp up immunization efforts to contain the spread. In the United States, vaccination coverage has slipped. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that rates for measles, diphtheria, and polio declined among kindergartners in the 2024–2025 school year compared to the previous year.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Measles outbreak worsens in North America, 18 dead so far this year, PAHO says
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported on Friday an increase in measles cases in the Americas, particularly North America, amid rising deaths from the infection in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Why is it important ? The outbreaks are related to low vaccination coverage, the U.N. agency said, as 71% of cases occurred in unvaccinated people and 18% in individuals with unknown vaccination status. As of August 8, 10,139 cases of measles and 18 related deaths had been confirmed from among 10 countries in the Americas, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, PAHO figures showed. Of those 18 deaths, 14 were in Mexico, three in the United States and one in Canada. Most of the deaths in Mexico occurred in Indigenous people between 1 and 54 years old, PAHO said. "Measles is preventable with two doses of a vaccine, which is proven to be very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunisation and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities," said Daniel Salas, responsible for immunization at PAHO. Measles is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among unvaccinated people, especially children, according to PAHO. In the U.S., a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that vaccination rates for several diseases including measles, diphtheria and polio decreased among U.S. kindergartners in the 2024-25 school year from the year before.
Global News
4 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Canada has most measles cases in North America: health group
The Pan American Health Organization says Canada has the highest number of measles cases on the continent and more action is needed to address low vaccination rates. The regional agency within the World Health Organization, which covers North and South America, says there has been an exponential rise in measles this year. As of Aug. 8, it recorded 10,139 confirmed measles cases across ten countries, representing a 33-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when there were 311 cases. Canada leads the pack with 4,548 measles cases, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario. PAHO says low vaccination rates are primarily to blame, with U.S. and Mexico also seeing large outbreaks over the past year. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The health agency says countries should strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities. Story continues below advertisement 1:49 Health Matters: Measles cases taper off in Ont., rise in NS Vaccine coverage rates in the region are 79 per cent for the two doses needed, which is below the 95 per cent recommended to prevent outbreaks. The group's data shows 18 people have died as a result of the outbreak: 14 in Mexico, three in the United States and a newborn in Canada. PAHO says outbreaks have particularly been identified in Mennonite communities, but adds recent data suggests an increasing number of cases outside of these groups. In Mexico, PAHO says a mass vaccination campaign is underway in Chihuahua, where most of its 3,911 infections have occurred. 'Indigenous communities have been hardest hit, with a case-fatality rate 20 times higher than in the general population,' its report says. The U.S. has reported outbreaks in 41 jurisdictions, with a total of 1,356 cases. Story continues below advertisement 'It's important to note that these numbers are dynamic and may change as countries continue to update their case counts,' said spokesperson Sebastian Oliel in an email.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada has most measles cases on the continent as infections up exponentially over 2024: Pan American Health Organization
TORONTO – The Pan American Health Organization says Canada has the highest number of measles cases on the continent and more action is needed to address low vaccination rates. The regional agency within the World Health Organization, which covers North and South America, says there has been an exponential rise in measles this year. As of Aug. 8, it recorded 10,139 confirmed measles cases across ten countries, representing a 33-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when there were 311 cases. Canada leads the pack with 4,548 measles cases, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario. PAHO says low vaccination rates are primarily to blame, with U.S. and Mexico also seeing large outbreaks over the past year. The health agency says countries should strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities. Vaccine coverage rates in the region are 79 per cent for the two doses needed, which is below the 95 per cent recommended to prevent outbreaks. The group's data shows 18 people have died as a result of the outbreak: 14 in Mexico, three in the United States and a newborn in Canada. PAHO says outbreaks have particularly been identified in Mennonite communities, but adds recent data suggests an increasing number of cases outside of these groups. In Mexico, PAHO says a mass vaccination campaign is underway in Chihuahua, where most of its 3,911 infections have occurred. 'Indigenous communities have been hardest hit, with a case-fatality rate 20 times higher than in the general population,' its report says. The U.S. has reported outbreaks in 41 jurisdictions, with a total of 1,356 cases. 'It's important to note that these numbers are dynamic and may change as countries continue to update their case counts,' said spokesperson Sebastian Oliel in an email. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Measles outbreak worsens in North America, 18 dead so far this year, PAHO says
A vial of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is pictured at the Taber Community Health Centre in Taber, Alta., Monday, July 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported on Friday an increase in measles cases in the Americas, particularly North America, amid rising deaths from the infection in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Why it's important The outbreaks are related to low vaccination coverage, the U.N. agency said, as 71% of cases occurred in unvaccinated people and 18% in individuals with unknown vaccination status. By the numbers As of August 8, 10,139 cases of measles and 18 related deaths had been confirmed from among 10 countries in the Americas, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, PAHO figures showed. Of those 18 deaths, 14 were in Mexico, three in the United States and one in Canada. Most of the deaths in Mexico occurred in Indigenous people between 1 and 54 years old, PAHO said. Key quotes 'Measles is preventable with two doses of a vaccine, which is proven to be very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities,' said Daniel Salas, responsible for immunization at PAHO. Context Measles is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among unvaccinated people, especially children, according to PAHO. In the U.S., a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that vaccination rates for several diseases including measles, diphtheria and polio decreased among U.S. kindergartners in the 2024-25 school year from the year before. Reporting by Benjamín Mejías Valencia; editing by Philippa Fletcher, Reuters
