Mexico Measles Outbreak: Sheinbaum Meets Governors to Discuss Vaccination Strategy

Mexico Responds to Measles Outbreak, Hosts Canadian Governor General

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is actively addressing a recent measles outbreak, holding virtual meetings with state governors and preparing to receive Canadian Governor General Mary Simon. The meetings focus on coordinating vaccination efforts and containing the spread of the highly contagious virus.

President Sheinbaum convened a second virtual meeting with the 31 state governors and the Head of Government of Mexico City to assess the current situation regarding measles cases across the country. The discussion centered on the progress of vaccination programs in each region and the effectiveness of the strategy to control the outbreak, according to a statement released today.

The President will meet with Governor General Simon later today, extending Head of State treatment to the first Indigenous person to hold the role. The meeting will focus on discussing the rights of Indigenous peoples, according to President Sheinbaum’s office.

Health officials are emphasizing vaccination as the primary defense against the resurgent virus. Minister of Health David Kershenobich announced a reinforced vaccination campaign, warning that measles is “significantly more contagious than COVID-19.” He reported that 11.8 million doses have already been administered, with a goal of achieving 95% population coverage. Mexico currently has 23.5 million vaccines in stock, ensuring sufficient supply for the next two years.

The outbreak has prompted a collaborative effort with the United States, with both countries requesting a two-month window to eradicate the virus. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will determine if vaccination will become mandatory for travelers attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

While the national picture is concerning, some regions are experiencing more acute outbreaks. Jalisco state is currently the epicenter, accounting for 1,603 confirmed cases in 2026 – representing 58% of the national total. Chiapas follows with 282 confirmed cases, followed by Mexico City (157) and Sinaloa (144). On a per capita basis, Jalisco has the highest incidence with 17.85 confirmed cases per 100,000 people.

In Quintana Roo, health officials have verified less than a dozen cases, with 10 confirmed as of February 12, 2026. Governor Mara Lezama participated in a virtual meeting with President Sheinbaum on February 11, 2026, to discuss the outbreak response. Four of the Quintana Roo cases are linked to out-of-state travel, with infections concentrated in Cancun (four cases), Playa del Carmen (three cases), the municipality of Othón P. Blanco (two cases), and Isla Mujeres (one case).

Governor Lezama has endorsed the federal health vaccination strategy and urged citizens to get vaccinated. To date, over 5,700 vaccines have been administered in Quintana Roo, prioritizing those who have not yet received immunization. Unvaccinated personnel in Isla Mujeres’ Civil Protection, fire department, security forces, and public services have already been vaccinated.

Nationwide, over 28 million vaccinations are available at 21,154 locations, accessible to children between six months and 12 years of age without complete vaccinations, as well as unvaccinated individuals aged 13 to 49. Information on vaccination sites can be found at dondemevacuno.salud.gob.mx.

The government is urging all Mexicans who haven’t been inoculated against measles to do so, emphasizing the disease’s highly contagious nature. Since the start of 2025, Mexico has recorded 9,187 confirmed cases of measles, with almost 30% – 2,755 cases – occurring in 2026. The country’s measles death toll since the beginning of 2025 stands at 28, with 26 fatalities occurring in 2025 and two in the first six weeks of 2026.