Measles Outbreak in Nuevo León Prompts Large-Scale Vaccination Efforts

Health officials in Nuevo León, Mexico, are responding to a growing measles outbreak with widespread vaccination campaigns targeting both children and adults. As of February 26, 2026, the state has confirmed 33 cases of measles, prompting a proactive approach to curb further transmission.

Vaccination Campaigns Underway

The Nuevo León Health Department has initiated vaccination drives in schools, including kindergarten, primary, and secondary institutions. Parents are requested to provide vaccination records for their children. Large-scale vaccination brigades are being deployed to public spaces, parks, shopping malls, hospitals, and medical units to increase accessibility.

This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 27th and 28th, vaccination stations will operate at the Explanada de los Héroes (Esplanade of the Heroes) in front of the Government Palace from 8:30 a.m. To 3:00 p.m. [1]

Vaccination Goals and Progress

The state aims to administer 985,080 doses of the measles vaccine over a 10-week period. [4] Approximately 600,000 doses have already been administered throughout Nuevo León this year. [4]

State Health Secretary on the Outbreak

Nuevo León State Health Secretary, Alma Rosa Marroquín Escamilla, emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure against measles. [1] She similarly noted that the virus is circulating within the state, with some infections not linked to travel history or contact with individuals from outbreak areas. [1]

National Vaccination Efforts

In addition to the state-level initiatives, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced a national plan to administer 25 million measles vaccines over a period of just over two months. [4]

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. [4] Symptoms typically include fever, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (pink eye), swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. [4]

Key Takeaways

• Nuevo León is experiencing a measles outbreak with 33 confirmed cases as of February 26, 2026.
• Large-scale vaccination campaigns are underway in schools and public spaces.
• The state aims to administer nearly 1 million doses of the measles vaccine in the coming weeks.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles infection.