Home / Health / Mexico Battles Spreading Measles: Schools Boost Screenings
Mexico Battles Spreading Measles: Schools Boost Screenings
10 Feb
Summary
- Mexico state implemented stricter health screenings and recommended masks.
- Nationwide, 2,143 measles cases and nearly 6,000 suspected cases were confirmed.
- Jalisco leads the outbreak, but cases span from the northern to southern borders.
Mexico is escalating its defense against a widening measles outbreak, with its most populous state now mandating heightened health screenings and recommending mask usage for students and staff. These measures follow similar actions taken in Jalisco, the epicenter of the country's largest outbreak, where masks are now required in Guadalajara's schools. As of February 6th, Mexico has recorded 2,143 confirmed measles cases and nearly 6,000 suspected cases, with infections detected across all 32 states.
The outbreak's origins were traced to a measles surge in Chihuahua state in March 2025, linked to an unvaccinated child who visited Texas. While the Chihuahua outbreak is now contained, measles continues to spread. Mexico state, bordering Mexico City, has confirmed 40 cases, which health officials state are under control. Neighboring Mexico City has initiated an aggressive vaccination campaign amid its own 166 confirmed cases.
The Pan American Health Organization has issued an alert due to the rising cases across the Americas. Both Mexico and the United States are at risk of losing their measles-free status, a situation Canada experienced in November.
