Mexico has recorded 7,131 measles cases and 24 deaths over the past year, with the outbreak now affecting all 31 states and Mexico City. The Health Ministry (SSA) reports that 90% of confirmed cases involve unvaccinated individuals, with severe cases concentrated among young children, malnourished populations, and those with weakened immune systems.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The SSA has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign, administering over 11.8 million doses, with a focus on high-traffic areas like airports and bus terminals. Despite these efforts, measles remains the most contagious disease, surpassing even COVID-19, according to experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Deeper Dive & Context
Vaccination Efforts and Challenges
The most affected age group is children aged 1 to 4 (1,089 cases), followed by those aged 5 to 9 (830 cases). The states with the highest case counts are Chihuahua (4,495 cases, 21 deaths), Jalisco (1,020 cases, 1 death), Chiapas (430), Michoacán (261), and Guerrero (248).
U.S. Measles Crisis and Global Implications
The U.S. is also facing a measles resurgence, with 2,144 cases confirmed in 2023—the highest since 1991. International health authorities will meet in April to determine if the U.S. loses its measles-free designation, which hinges on whether a single outbreak has spread uninterrupted for 12 months. Experts attribute the rise in cases to declining vaccination rates due to parental waivers, health care access issues, and vaccine disinformation.
Public Health Responses and Controversies
In the U.S., Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized vaccination, though critics argue the Trump administration’s policies have undermined public health efforts. Meanwhile, Mexico’s SSA continues to monitor measles through its National Epidemiological Surveillance System, tracking genotypes and case origins to contain the spread.
The outbreak has also led to 17,267 cases of febrile exanthematous diseases, including rubella, roseola, scarlet fever, and chickenpox, further straining healthcare resources.