A Measles Outbreak in Mexico: A Call for Action
In a concerning development, Mexico is currently grappling with a widespread measles outbreak, prompting the federal government to take urgent measures. With the highly contagious nature of this airborne disease, the situation demands immediate attention.
According to official data released on Wednesday, Mexico has recorded a staggering 9,187 confirmed measles cases since the beginning of 2025. What's more alarming is that almost 30% of these cases, a total of 2,755, were reported in 2026 alone, predominantly affecting infants and young children. Additionally, thousands of probable cases have been identified during this period.
The death toll from measles in Mexico since the start of 2025 stands at 28, with the majority of fatalities occurring in 2026. The state of Jalisco is currently at the epicenter of this outbreak, accounting for 1,603 confirmed cases this year, which represents a significant 58% of the national total for 2026. Chiapas follows with 282 cases, while Mexico City and Sinaloa have recorded 157 and 144 cases, respectively.
When considering the incidence rate on a per capita basis, Jalisco emerges as the state with the highest rate of measles, with 17.85 confirmed cases per 100,000 people in 2026. Colima comes in second with 7.65 cases per 100,000, followed by Chiapas and Sinaloa.
Despite these concerning figures, it's important to note that all 32 federal entities in Mexico have reported confirmed cases of measles since the start of 2025. However, five states—Baja California Sur, Tamaulipas, Campeche, Zacatecas, and Coahuila—have not recorded a single confirmed case so far in 2026, although probable cases have been detected.
Vaccination: The Key to Controlling Measles
At a press conference on Wednesday, Health Minister David Kershenobich emphasized that measles is the most contagious viral disease, with one infected person capable of transmitting the virus to up to 18 others. He highlighted that vaccination is the only effective way to control the spread of measles.
Kershenobich sought to reassure the public by pointing out that, despite the outbreak, there have only been around 9,000 confirmed cases of measles in Mexico since the start of last year, out of a population of 133 million. He explained that this low number is a testament to the success of the vaccination strategy, adding that without vaccination, millions of Mexicans could have been infected due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Furthermore, the health minister revealed that 90% of measles cases in Mexico have occurred in unvaccinated individuals. He traced the origin of the current wave of infections back to an outbreak in Texas in February 2025, which spread to the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. So far this year, Chihuahua has reported 13 confirmed cases.
Kershenobich highlighted the success of the vaccination campaign in Chihuahua, stating, "With the application of 1.8 million vaccines, we managed to defeat the measles outbreak in Chihuahua."
The Government's Strategy: Breaking the Chain of Transmission
Deputy Health Minister Ramiro López Elizalde announced on Wednesday that Mexico has an impressive 28 million doses of the measles vaccine ready for immediate use. This is in addition to the 14.3 million vaccines that have already been administered in 2025 and 2026.
"We have enough vaccines to protect the population," López assured. He explained that the Health Ministry's priority group for vaccination is children aged six months to 12 years, as they are the most vulnerable to measles. He urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine, especially if they have not been vaccinated or have only received one dose more than six months ago.
"We are setting up over 21,000 health centers across the country to guarantee access," López said. He emphasized that children who have already received two doses of the vaccine are protected and do not require a booster shot. López also highlighted that cases of measles are being detected in individuals who did not complete their vaccine regimen in the past.
Starting February 23, people aged 13 to 49 in the states of Jalisco, Colima, Chiapas, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Tabasco, and Mexico City will be able to receive the measles vaccine at government health centers. López explained that the objective is to recover vaccine coverage and break the chain of transmission by vaccinating this age group. This strategy will first be implemented in the states with the highest number of cases and will gradually roll out across the entire country.
To facilitate access, López mentioned a platform called dondemevacuno.salud.gob.mx, where individuals can select their state, municipality, and age group to find the location of over 21,000 vaccination points.
Vaccination for children will begin at government centers on Monday, February 16.
President Sheinbaum's Reassurance and Call for Calm
President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed on Wednesday that the majority of Mexicans, both adults and children, are vaccinated against measles. She emphasized the importance of this fact, stating, "That's very important."
Sheinbaum called for calm, explaining that panicking could create an unnecessary sense of crisis. She urged parents to take their children for measles vaccination if they haven't already done so.
"There are 28 million vaccines, and we have an appropriate distribution strategy," Sheinbaum assured. She acknowledged that some states are recommending the use of masks to prevent the spread of measles but reiterated the importance of vaccination as the primary defense against the disease. She also assured that Mexico could purchase more vaccines if needed.
"Anyone who isn't vaccinated, especially children, must go to the health centers and get vaccinated," Sheinbaum emphasized.
The Impact on Mexico's Measles-Free Status and the FIFA World Cup
In a report published on Wednesday, The New York Times revealed that a panel of independent health experts summoned by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is expected to meet on April 13 to review data that will determine whether Mexico's measles-free status, held for three decades, will be revoked.
Malaquías López Cervantes, an epidemiologist at the National Autonomous University, stated that "in reality, Mexico has already lost its status." He added that the PAHO's bureaucratic declaration is merely a formality and that Mexico must now demonstrate its ability to manage the current outbreak.
The PAHO panel's meeting is scheduled to take place less than two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. According to FIFA estimates, Mexico is expected to welcome up to 5 million World Cup travelers in 2026.
Victoria Pando Robles, an infectious disease researcher in Mexico, expressed concern to The New York Times, saying, "We are going to receive visitors who are probably not vaccinated. And if they go to a stadium, they're going to find thousands of people susceptible to the disease."
Pando warned that the numbers could become significant, with the potential for exponential spread. This highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift and effective vaccination campaign to protect the population and ensure a safe environment for World Cup travelers.
