Measles Outbreak in Mexico: Cases, Deaths & Vaccination Info (2026)
Mexico is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with 12,556 confirmed cases and 34 deaths reported as of March 6, 2026. The states of Chihuahua and Jalisco are currently the most affected, bearing the brunt of the increasing infections. This surge in cases underscores the importance of vaccination and ongoing public health efforts to control the spread of this highly contagious disease.
The outbreak, which began gaining momentum in 2025, has disproportionately impacted young children. According to official reports from the Secretaría de Salud federal, the highest number of cases – 1,698 – are occurring in children aged 1 to 4 years. The 5-9 year age group follows closely with 1,476 cases, and a notable number – 1,456 – are being reported in individuals aged 25 to 29. The highest incidence rate is observed in infants under one year of age, at 62.97 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
State-by-State Breakdown of Cases
As of March 6, 2026, the distribution of measles cases across Mexican states is as follows:
- Chihuahua: 4,523
- Jalisco: 4,268
- Chiapas: 787
- Ciudad de México: 471
- Michoacán: 356
- Guerrero: 338
- Sinaloa: 306
- Sonora: 234
- Estado de México: 196
- Durango: 167
- Puebla: 155
- Colima: 114
- Quintana Roo: 77
- Tabasco: 69
- Coahuila: 60
- Baja California: 43
- Nayarit: 42
- Veracruz: 42
- Nuevo León: 41
- Morelos: 38
- Querétaro: 38
- Tlaxcala: 34
- Zacatecas: 23
- Oaxaca: 23
- Yucatán: 17
- Hidalgo: 15
- Campeche: 15
- Aguascalientes: 14
- San Luis Potosí: 14
- Tamaulipas: 13
- Baja California Sur: 12
- Guanajuato: 11
Fatalities Attributed to Measles
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in 34 deaths across the country since the first confirmed fatality on February 28, 2025. The state-by-state breakdown of fatalities is as follows:
- Chihuahua: 21
- Jalisco: 4
- Sonora: 1
- Durango: 2
- Michoacán: 1
- Tlaxcala: 1
- Ciudad de México: 1
- Chiapas: 1
- Guerrero: 1
- Sinaloa: 1
Authorities are investigating two additional potential deaths in Mexico City that may be linked to measles, which could further increase the total number of fatalities. Uno TV reports that seven deaths have been reported in Mexico in 2026 alone.
Early Detection and Symptoms
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These initial symptoms are often followed by the characteristic measles rash, which appears as flat, red spots that start on the face and spread down the body. It’s important to note that measles is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours and on surfaces for even longer.
Chihuahua’s Experience and the Role of Vaccination
Chihuahua has been particularly hard hit by the outbreak, initially experiencing up to 500 cases per day in 2025. The first case in the current outbreak was identified in February 2025 within a Mennonite community in the municipality of Cuauhtémoc. However, significant progress has been made through a robust vaccination campaign. According to Infobae, the application of 1.8 million vaccines has led to the abatement of the outbreak in Chihuahua, with cases now occurring only occasionally.
A key finding highlighted by health officials is that 90% of measles cases in Chihuahua occurred in individuals who had not completed their vaccination schedule. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease. The measles vaccine is highly effective, providing long-lasting immunity with two doses.
Accessing Vaccination
The Mexican government has launched a national vaccination campaign to address the outbreak. The vaccine is available free of charge at Health Centers (Centros de Salud) and through the IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), as well as at various designated locations in each state. You can find a list of vaccination sites through the government’s dedicated portal: Uno TV provides a link to this resource.
Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to control and reduce measles transmission. Staying informed about the outbreak and seeking vaccination are crucial steps in protecting yourself and your community.