Measles Outbreak in Mexico: Cases Rise, Vaccination Efforts Underway
- Mexico is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with confirmed cases exceeding 9,000 since January 2025, and authorities reporting 28 measles-related deaths as of February 10, 2026.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by fever, cough, coryza (nasal congestion), conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash that spreads from the face downwards.
- Prior to the introduction of widespread vaccination programs, measles epidemics occurred every two to five years, lasting three to four months.
Mexico is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with confirmed cases exceeding 9,000 since , and authorities reporting 28 measles-related deaths as of . While vaccination efforts are underway, concerns are rising about the potential loss of the country’s measles-free status.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by fever, cough, coryza (nasal congestion), conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash that spreads from the face downwards. Complications can include otitis media, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – which can lead to seizures, deafness, or intellectual disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, and one in 1,000 develops encephalitis. Tragically, one to three in every 1,000 children with measles die from respiratory or neurological complications.
Prior to the introduction of widespread vaccination programs, measles epidemics occurred every two to five years, lasting three to four months. The development of a measles vaccine in marked a turning point, leading to significant reductions in infection rates, particularly in developed countries. By , the United States had declared measles eliminated. However, Mexico’s experience has differed, with adequate vaccination coverage remaining a challenge.
Recent outbreaks highlight the vulnerability of unvaccinated communities. Chihuahua state has been identified as the epicenter of the current outbreak in North America, reporting 4,505 confirmed cases between and , along with 13 of the country’s 14 measles-related fatalities. Jalisco follows with 2,193 confirmed cases. Other affected states include Chiapas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Sinaloa. Mexico City has reported 196 cases.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) raised alarms in early regarding the increase in measles cases across the “Region of the Americas,” with 14,891 confirmed cases and 29 deaths reported. Mexico accounted for 6,428 of those confirmed cases, while the United States reported 2,242 and Canada 5,436.
The current measles vaccines require two doses for complete protection. To prevent outbreaks, vaccination coverage of at least 95% of the population is crucial, given the virus’s high contagiousness. In Mexico, vaccination campaigns began in with a monovalent measles vaccine, which was later replaced in by a triple viral vaccine offering protection against measles, rubella, and mumps.
However, recent data suggest challenges in maintaining adequate vaccination rates. A study by PAHO indicates that 78% of measles cases occurred in individuals who were not vaccinated. National vaccination coverage for the first dose of the measles vaccine was 80-89% and 80% for the second dose. Concerns have been raised about potential setbacks to vaccination programs due to austerity measures implemented in recent years. According to Political Animal, the application of measles vaccines was delayed and suffered unforeseen events due to the austerity policies of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador when he began his mandate, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. In , vaccination coverage fell to 73%, leaving 1.5 million infants without immunization.
issues with vaccine quality and procurement have contributed to the problem. The Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) reported that some vaccine shipments did not meet required quality and safety specifications. A recent National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) revealed that vaccine coverage was below 95% in , with the first dose of MMR administered to 61.8% of children, a significant reduction from 72.6% in .
Misinformation surrounding vaccines also plays a role. The spread of false or misleading information on social media can create confusion and undermine public trust in vaccination. This represents particularly concerning given the historical success of vaccination in eradicating measles in many parts of the world. Communities with pre-existing vaccine hesitancy, such as some Mennonite communities in Canada and Mexico, are particularly vulnerable.
The current administration has announced plans to address the outbreak through intensified vaccination campaigns, prioritizing states with the highest number of cases. Approximately 28 million vaccine doses are currently available, with plans to vaccinate girls and boys between six months and 12 years of age, as well as adults aged 13 to 49 who have not received their second dose. A “vaccine fence” strategy will be implemented, involving vaccination of 25 surrounding blocks when a suspected case is identified. A platform, where vacuno.salud.gob.mx, has been created to publicize vaccination points throughout the country.
Dr. Alejandro García-Robles Ortiz, a pediatrician and professor at Anáhuac University, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the vaccination schedule and addressing misinformation to prevent the re-emergence of this previously controlled disease. He notes that insufficient vaccine supply and distribution challenges, including restrictions on private sector distribution, are hindering efforts to achieve widespread immunization.