Panama's health authorities recommended on Friday that citizens attending the 2026 Football World Cup get vaccinated against measles, due to outbreaks in the host countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. No cases have been recorded in Panama since 1995, and the vaccine is offered free with the yellow fever shot for international certificates. The PAHO reported 14,891 cases and 29 deaths in the Americas in 2025.
Panama's health authorities issued guidelines on Friday for travel agencies to inform people traveling to the 2026 Football World Cup host countries about measles vaccination, though it is not mandatory. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) provides the measles vaccine free of charge to those requesting the International Vaccination Certificate, along with the yellow fever vaccine. “In response to the measles alert in the Region of the Americas, the measles vaccine is being offered free of charge to people requesting the International Vaccination Certificate, along with the yellow fever vaccine required for travel. This strategy aims to ensure that those leaving the country do not acquire the disease,” explained Itzel de Hewitt, general coordinator of the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) at Minsa.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on February 3, 2026, highlighting the increase in cases in the region during 2025 and early 2026, with a total of 14,891 cases and 29 deaths in 2025. Mexico recorded 6,428 cases and 24 deaths that year, followed by Canada with 5,436 cases and two deaths, and the United States with 2,242 cases and three deaths. In the first two weeks of 2026, Mexico reported 740 cases, the United States 171, and Canada 67.
Panama has had no measles cases since November 1995, thanks to its surveillance system and vaccination efforts, with more than 7 million doses administered to a population of approximately 4 million people. Minsa follows PAHO and WHO recommendations, including immunizing airport and port staff.
In Mexico, the State of Mexico began a measles vaccination drive targeting over 103,000 teachers, with 103,600 doses available until February 24 at 31 sites in 22 municipalities. This measure aims to reduce transmission in schools, where the disease spreads quickly through the air. Since the outbreak began, more than two million doses have been applied in the state.
