Measles Outbreak in Mexico: Deaths Rise to 33, Vaccination Efforts Intensify

Mexico is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with the Ministry of Health (SSA) reporting 33 deaths as of March 4, 2026. The outbreak, which began in 2025, has prompted a mass vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Recent Case Numbers and Trends

In the most recent week, health authorities confirmed 15 new cases of measles, bringing the total number of confirmed infections since last year to 12,237.

Vulnerable Populations

The population group most affected by measles infections are children aged 1 to 4 years old, accounting for 1,658 cases. Children between 5 and 9 years old represent the second-largest affected group, with 1,444 cases. The highest incidence rate is observed in children under one year of age, with 61.89 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Geographic Distribution of Fatalities

The 33 deaths attributed to the current outbreak have occurred in nine states: Chihuahua, Michoacán, Jalisco, Durango, Tlaxcala, Mexico City, and Chiapas. Nine of these deaths occurred in January and February of 2026, specifically in Chihuahua, Michoacán, Jalisco, Durango, and Tlaxcala.

Vaccination Campaign and Government Response

President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that 21 million vaccines have been administered to date, and assured the public that sufficient vaccine supplies are available, with more on the way. Mexico maintains a “high level of vaccination,” according to the president, and officials are confident that this will prevent major infections during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting and is expected to attract five million visitors.

Jalisco Faces Significant Spike in Cases

The state of Jalisco is experiencing a particularly severe outbreak, accounting for 59% of the 4,497 confirmed measles cases recorded nationwide as of the beginning of 2026. In the past week, Jalisco reported 667 new confirmed cases, bringing the cumulative total for February to 2,662. Mobile vaccination teams have been deployed to affected areas, and authorities are urging residents to check their immunization records. Free measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are available at public health centers.

National Scope of the Outbreak

As of February 16, 2026, Mexico has reported 3,418 confirmed cases since the start of the year, with a cumulative total of 9,850 confirmed measles cases reported from 2025 to 2026. Cases have been reported in all 32 states, distributed across 354 municipalities.