Mexican health authorities are urging citizens to get vaccinated against measles as the country experiences a concerning outbreak of the highly contagious viral disease. Since the beginning of , , a total of 9,074 confirmed cases have been reported nationwide, with a national incidence rate of 6.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. While officials consider this rate manageable given Mexico’s population of over 133 million, the increase in cases is prompting a renewed focus on vaccination efforts.
The outbreak is not uniform across the country. Chihuahua has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 4,505 over the – period, followed by Jalisco with 2,193 cases. Other states significantly affected include Chiapas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Sinaloa. On a per capita basis, Jalisco currently has the highest incidence, with 17.85 confirmed cases per 100,000 people, followed by Colima (7.65), Chiapas (4.56), and Sinaloa (4.49).
Despite the rising case numbers, health officials emphasize that widespread vaccination coverage and the availability of millions of vaccine doses have limited the broader public health impact. However, the situation is being closely monitored, particularly as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada. Concerns have been raised that the influx of international travelers could exacerbate the outbreak.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease
According to Health Minister David Kershenobich, measles is the most contagious viral disease known. He explained that one infected person can potentially infect up to 18 individuals. This high transmissibility underscores the critical importance of vaccination as the primary means of control.
As of , Mexico’s measles death toll since the start of stands at 28, with 26 fatalities occurring in and 2 in the first six weeks of .
Government Response and Vaccination Efforts
The Mexican government is actively working to increase vaccination rates. Deputy Health Minister Ramiro López Elizalde announced that 28 million doses of the measles vaccine are currently available and ready for immediate administration, in addition to the 14.3 million doses already administered in and . The priority group for vaccination is children aged six months to 12 years, who are considered most vulnerable to the disease.
For children who haven’t been vaccinated or have only received one dose, a second dose is strongly recommended. More than 21,000 health centers across the country have been designated as vaccination sites. A new vaccination campaign will begin on , for children. Individuals between the ages of 13 and 49 who are unvaccinated or have not received a second dose will be eligible for vaccination in states with the highest incidence of measles, including Jalisco, Colima, Chiapas, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Tabasco, and Mexico City, starting on .
To facilitate access to vaccination information, the Health Ministry has launched an online platform, dondemevacuno.salud.gob.mx, where individuals can locate nearby vaccination points by state, municipality, and age group.
Maintaining Perspective and Addressing Concerns
While acknowledging the increase in cases, Health Minister Kershenobich sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that the vast majority of Mexicans are already vaccinated against measles. He stated that the current case numbers, approximately 9,000 confirmed cases in a population of 133 million, demonstrate the effectiveness of the existing vaccination strategy. He also noted that 90% of confirmed measles cases in Mexico have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed this sentiment, urging calm and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. She highlighted the availability of 28 million vaccine doses and a well-defined distribution plan.
Potential Loss of Measles-Free Status
The situation is particularly critical as Mexico faces the possibility of losing its measles-free status, a designation held for three decades. A panel of experts convened by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is scheduled to review data on , to determine whether Mexico will retain this status. Epidemiologist Malaquías López Cervantes suggests that Mexico has already effectively lost its measles-free status, and the PAHO review will be a formal confirmation.
The timing of this evaluation is particularly sensitive, given the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Experts have expressed concern that the influx of unvaccinated travelers could further contribute to the spread of the disease. Victoria Pando Robles, an infectious-disease researcher, warned that the large gatherings at World Cup events could create a significant risk of transmission.
The Mexican government is prepared to purchase additional vaccines if necessary and is urging individuals to take preventative measures, including vaccination, to protect themselves and the community.
