A measles surge across the Americas coincides with Pope Leo XIV's Peru visit, as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 57,666 confirmed cases and a “Very High” risk around South American religious gatherings.
The Vatican said more than 20,000 faithful were waiting for Leo when he arrived at Mass in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba on Saturday, Nov. 14. His itinerary lists stops in Cusco, Pucallpa and Lima on Sunday, Nov. 15, followed by departure from Lima on Nov. 16 and arrival in Rome on Nov. 17, the scheduled end of his 12-day South America tour.
PAHO's Nov. 5 situation report also listed 81 deaths across 17 countries and territories, using data through Oct. 31. The regional case total was 4.7 times the number reported during the same period in 2025. Peru accounted for 2,862 confirmed cases and one death. PAHO logged 66 new cases there during epidemiological weeks 41 and 42 and located most transmission in the south, including Puno and Arequipa.
In an Oct. 8 risk review, PAHO rated the regional public-health risk of measles transmission in the context of religious mass gatherings in South America “Very High,” with “High” confidence. Its reasoning included outbreaks already underway, travel within and across national borders, large crowds and incomplete vaccination coverage. The agency pointed to two outbreaks in 2025 that began at religious gatherings and later reached nationwide community transmission.
PAHO said children under five and vulnerable populations have been disproportionately affected in regional outbreaks. It linked vulnerability to immunity gaps accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy, difficulties delivering vaccines and barriers to health care, particularly for Indigenous peoples, migrants and displaced people.
Among 43 countries and territories reporting 2025 data, coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was 88% for the first dose and 85% for the second. Only 26% of those reporting countries and territories exceeded 95% coverage for either dose. PAHO listed Nov. 19 as the planned date for its next regional update.
