The state of Jalisco in Mexico has declared a health alert and mandated the use of face masks in schools due to a measles outbreak in the state capital, which is also a key host city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This action follows an epidemiological alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) earlier this week concerning the spread of measles in the Americas, with Mexico leading the region with 1,981 confirmed cases and over 5,200 suspected cases this year.
Jalisco is at the center of the outbreak, with 1,163 confirmed cases and 2,092 suspected cases reported by the Mexican government. The measles outbreak in Mexico originated last year in the northern state of Chihuahua when a Mennonite child fell ill while visiting relatives in a region in Texas experiencing an outbreak. The virus subsequently spread in Mennonite communities, characterized by high vaccine hesitancy rates, leading to a widespread outbreak across Mexico.
Experts warn that declining vaccination rates are fueling the surge in measles cases across the hemisphere, particularly in Mexico where incomplete immunization schedules contribute to the increase. With the upcoming influx of visitors for the World Cup, the risk of introducing and spreading outbreaks from other regions is heightened. Guadalajara, a prominent venue for the soccer tournament, is among the locations at risk.
To contain the outbreak, health authorities in Jalisco have mandated the use of masks in schools within specific neighborhoods in Guadalajara for the next 30 days. This proactive measure is the first of its kind in Mexico since the COVID-19 pandemic, as medical groups urged urgent action from the local government. Recent outbreaks have also led to the suspension of classes in multiple schools in Jalisco and Aguascalientes due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Efforts to control the infection include the vaccination of students and teachers in the affected areas, with vaccination centers set up in government buildings. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated against measles, a preventable disease that requires two doses of the vaccine for protection. In response to the escalating cases, the Mexican government has launched vaccination sites in various locations, including airports and bus stations, to increase immunization coverage.
The region faces a significant challenge in curbing the measles outbreak, with neighboring countries also experiencing a rise in cases. As part of the collective effort to combat the spread of the virus, continued vaccination campaigns and public health measures are crucial to safeguarding the population against this preventable disease.