Brazil Faces Measles Resurgence in 2025 Amid Declining Vaccination Coverage

Brazil is grappling with a resurgence of measles in 2025, with 34 confirmed cases reported as of Epidemiological Week 38. The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent alert to states and municipalities to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts to prevent further spread and virus reintroduction. The confirmed cases include nine imported infections and 22 linked to contact with infected individuals abroad, indicating ongoing cross-border transmission risks. Significant outbreaks are ongoing in the states of Tocantins, Maranhão, and Mato Grosso, primarily in communities with low vaccination adherence. For instance, the Tocantins outbreak began in Campos Lindos in July, tied to Brazilians returning from Bolivia in areas with poor vaccine coverage. According to the Brazilian Society of Immunizations, the decline in vaccination—particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine—has left many susceptible individuals, allowing the virus to spread after previously controlled periods. Coverage for the first MMR dose dropped from 95.7% in 2024 to 91.2% in 2025, falling below the critical 95% threshold needed for herd immunity in Brazil's vast and geographically diverse municipalities.

This epidemiological challenge was highlighted during a recent Mercosur health commission meeting where Brazil shared its disease control progress and current measles situation with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Emphasizing regional cooperation, Brazil stressed the importance of sharing surveillance data to coordinate responses, especially in border areas prone to imported infections. Despite having received recertification for measles elimination in 2024, Brazil's authorities remain vigilant, with the Ministry of Health reinforcing proactive measures to prevent outbreaks. Globally, measles remains a public health concern, with over 360,000 suspected cases reported across 173 countries this year.

Health officials attribute the measles return mainly to gaps in vaccination coverage, underscoring community risk perception as a key factor influencing vaccine uptake. The Ministry continues to advocate for intensive vaccination campaigns to close these immunity gaps and protect vulnerable populations. With multiple outbreaks linked to international travel and low immunization pockets, Brazil's response highlights the delicate balance between disease elimination and resurgence risks in today’s interconnected world.