Copyright (c) 2026 Synergía
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Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Although immunization advances have considerably reduced its impact since 2000, the disease has experienced a renewed increase in cases in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze the resurgence of measles in the Region of the Americas between 2024 and 2026 and to characterize the epidemiological situation in Panama during this period. A descriptive documentary review was conducted using official sources and scientific literature published between 2017 and 2026, with descriptors related to measles, vaccination, immunization coverage, elimination, epidemiological surveillance, the Americas, and Panama. The results show a progressive increase in cases after the relatively low levels recorded between 2021 and 2024. In 2023, 73 confirmed cases were reported in the Region, while 466 were recorded in 2024 and 14,891 confirmed cases were reached in 2025. In November 2025, the Americas lost their verification as a region free of endemic measles transmission due to the re-establishment of sustained transmission in Canada. By 2026, through epidemiological week 35, 52,676 cases had been confirmed in 17 countries and territories. Regional vaccination coverage also remained below the recommended 95%, reaching 89% for the first dose and 79% for the second dose in 2024, while in 2025 these figures decreased to 88% and 78%, respectively. In Panama, the country had maintained the absence of indigenous transmission since 1995; however, an imported case was confirmed in May 2026, leading to strengthened vaccination and surveillance measures. It is concluded that sustaining measles elimination requires maintaining high and homogeneous vaccination coverage, completing vaccination schedules, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and responding promptly to imported cases and outbreaks.
