Measles Outbreak in Mexico: A Growing Public Health Crisis

Mexico is facing a significant measles outbreak, with cases and deaths steadily increasing since the beginning of 2025. While global measles cases have been on the rise, Mexico’s situation is particularly concerning, accounting for a substantial portion of infections in the Americas and exhibiting a higher mortality rate than many other countries.

Rising Cases and Deaths

As of February 16, 2026, Mexico has reported 9,850 cumulative confirmed cases of measles since the start of 2025 [1]. This represents a significant increase from the 9,187 confirmed cases reported as of February 12, 2026 [3]. Between January 1, 2025, and February 10, 2026, a total of 9,074 measles cases were confirmed nationwide, out of 23,068 probable cases [2].

The outbreak has also resulted in 31 confirmed deaths [4], with 29 deaths reported as of February 12, 2026 [3]. Chihuahua state has been particularly affected, accounting for 21 of the deaths, followed by Jalisco and Mexico City [3]. Active transmission has been reported in all 32 states and 335 municipalities [3].

In early 2026, the first measles death of the year was reported in Michoacán state [1]. As of January 30, 2026, there were 4,158 cumulative probable measles cases and 1,479 confirmed cases across the country [1]. Jalisco, Chiapas, Sinaloa, and Mexico City have reported the highest number of confirmed cases [1].

National Incidence and Global Context

The national incidence rate in Mexico currently stands at 6.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants [2]. While measles cases have increased globally, with over 552,000 suspected cases reported in 179 countries during 2025, Mexico’s situation is disproportionately severe [2]. Mexico accounts for a significant portion of the infections in the Americas, exceeding the number of cases reported in the entire region in 2025 [2].

Challenges and Response

Authorities attribute the rise in cases to a combination of factors, including declining global vaccination coverage and increased international travel. However, concerns have been raised about the state of Mexico’s public health system, including potential dismantling of surveillance systems and a decline in routine vaccination rates, particularly among children aged 1 to 4 years [2].

Despite these challenges, health officials report that widespread vaccination coverage and an extensive network of vaccination points are helping to limit the impact on public health [2]. Millions of vaccine doses are available, and the government is urging unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated [3].

Key Takeaways

• Mexico is experiencing a significant measles outbreak with nearly 10,000 confirmed cases since 2025.
• The outbreak has resulted in 31 deaths, with Chihuahua being the most affected state.
• Mexico’s case numbers are disproportionately high compared to other countries in the Americas.
• Authorities are emphasizing vaccination as the primary means of controlling the outbreak.