The spread of measles in Mexico has turned on the alerts among the health authoritiesgiven the sustained increase in infections and deaths associated with this viral disease.
Measles in Mexico. Photo: Archive / EL UNIVERSAL
According to official data from the Ministry of Healthuntil the January 19, 2026 have been confirmed 7 thousand 168 cases of measles in Mexicoin addition to 24 deaths related to this condition. These figures are part of the Daily Measles Outbreak Reportprepared by the General Directorate of Epidemiology.
The first measles cases were detected in 2025 in the state of Chihuahuawhere it was identified that a significant portion of the patients did not have a complete vaccination schedule or had never received the vaccine against this virus.
Measles in Mexico. Photo: Special
Given the increase in infections, the Ministry of Health warned that the measles is one of the most contagious viruses that exist, even with a transmission capacity greater than that of the COVID-19. Therefore, the Government of Mexico announced the reinforcement of vaccination in strategic points with high influx and mobility of people, such as airports, bus terminals and other spaces of constant traffic.
Read also: Measles in Mexico: where and how can you get vaccinated against the virus?
According to the UNAMpeople who were born before 1957 do not require vaccination, since they have probably already been immunized or had measles naturallywhich gave them protection against virus.
Should older adults be vaccinated against measles? Photo: Courtesy
Howeverthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) They warned that some adultsespecially those found in high transmission risk environments or belong to specific populationsthey must receive a second dose of the vaccinesince they can spread the virus even when they do not present symptoms of the disease.
Read also: Yucatán is not among the states on alert for a measles outbreak: Zoé Robledo; “there is a strong culture of vaccination,” he says
The health authorities indicated that the adults from 20 to 39 years old they must start or complete your vaccination scheduleparticularly those who do not remember having been vaccinated in childhood or do not have official receipts.
It is also recommended measles vaccination in the following groups:
- Girls and boys of 12 and 18 months
- Lagging child population of 2 to 9 years
- health personnel
- Educational staff
- Agricultural laborers
In addition, it was determined to advance the application of a zero dose against measles to babies from 6 to 11 monthsas a measure of early protection against the virus and to reduce the risk of community contagion.
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