The table above highlights the evolution of measles outbreaks over time and the recent resurgence of the disease in the Region. In 2018, the regional measles incidence rate reached 16.7 cases per 1 million population due to outbreaks in several countries. Measles incidence soared to an all-time high in the Region in 2019, peaking at 22.97 cases per 1 million population. Then, measles was successfully controlled, reaching a rate of 0.07 cases per 1 million population by 2023. The reduction in measles incidence is expected to continue, with a projected rate of 0.05 measles cases per 1 million population by 2025.

Continued disease surveillance and high immunization rates are crucial measures to prevent a resurgence of measles in the Region. It is important to emphasize the continued risk of measles outbreaks as long as the disease remains globally present and vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. Consistent surveillance is critical for swiftly detecting and managing measles cases to avoid resurgence. 

Recommendations 

• Increase vaccination coverage with two doses using micro-planning as a base methodology for strengthening routine vaccination campaigns. 

• Increase the supply of vaccination services through primary health care and induce demand from the population through a strong promotion and social mobilization strategy. 

• Improve the capacity for detecting and rapidly responding to imported cases. 

• Carry out risk assessments using tools developed by PASB to guide interventions in high-risk municipalities. 

• Improve measles surveillance indicators through training and supervision of key healthcare workers. 

• Promote certification in courses on the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health for rapid response to measles and rubella outbreaks. 

• Document outbreak closure applying PAHO’s Regional Measles Rubella Elimination Reverification Framework criteria. 

• Ensure quality measles health care for migrant populations.