Mexico Measles Outbreak: 9,000 Cases & 28 Deaths Reported (2026)
- Mexico is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 9,000 cases confirmed nationwide and 28 related deaths reported as of February 17, 2026.
- According to health officials, measles transmission remains active in 319 municipalities across the country.
- The outbreak initially began in Chihuahua in February 2025, with between 4,493 and 4,505 cases reported through 2025 and 2026.
Mexico is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 9,000 cases confirmed nationwide and 28 related deaths reported as of . The resurgence of the highly contagious viral disease is prompting intensified vaccination and surveillance efforts by federal and local authorities.
According to health officials, measles transmission remains active in 319 municipalities across the country. The majority of fatalities – 21 – occurred in the state of Chihuahua, with two deaths each in Jalisco, and one each in Sonora, Durango, Mexico City, Michoacán, and Tlaxcala. While most deaths were recorded in 2025, cases continued to result in fatalities in Michoacán and Tlaxcala in early .
The outbreak initially began in Chihuahua in , with between 4,493 and 4,505 cases reported through 2025 and 2026. Although the number of cases in Chihuahua has decreased significantly in early , the infection has spread to other regions. Currently, Jalisco state reports the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by Chiapas, Sinaloa, and Mexico City.
Epidemiological data indicate that infants under one year of age have the highest incidence rate, followed by children aged one to four years, and five to nine years. A notable proportion of infections are occurring in adults aged 20 to 40, reflecting gaps in vaccination coverage. The vast majority of confirmed cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or have an incomplete vaccination schedule.
This outbreak represents a reversal of Mexico’s measles elimination status, which was maintained from 1997 to 2019, with no local transmission occurring between 1996 and 1999. The potential loss of this status is being monitored by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which determines elimination status based on 12 months of continuous measles transmission.
Authorities report that 23.5 million doses of measles-containing vaccines (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and measles-rubella (MR)) have been distributed nationally, with over 11.8 million doses administered since the start of the outbreak. Vaccination campaigns include the routine two-dose schedule for children, a zero dose for infants aged six to eleven months, and a catch-up campaign for adolescents and adults up to 49 years of age.
The resurgence of measles underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and even a single case can lead to widespread transmission. Health Minister David Kershenobich emphasized that vaccination remains the primary tool to interrupt transmission.
The current situation in Mexico is occurring as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about the potential for further spread of the virus among international travelers and residents. The influx of visitors necessitates robust vaccination efforts to protect both the local population and those traveling to Mexico for the event.
The outbreak also places increased operational and compliance pressure on the healthcare system, pharmaceutical suppliers, and private providers. Regulatory scrutiny around immunization coverage and public health coordination is also expected to intensify. Sustaining measles elimination will require vaccination rates exceeding 95%, highlighting the need for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and vaccine supply chains.
Individuals are encouraged to verify their vaccination status and receive any necessary doses. The official portal dondemevacuno.salud.gob.mx provides information on the nearest vaccination points by state, municipality, and age group.