Measles surge prompts action in Jalisco

Authorities in Jalisco have intensified measles vaccination and surveillance after the state reported 1,245 confirmed cases and 2,370 probable cases since January, part of more than 8,500 cases recorded nationwide since 2025. The Jalisco Health Secretariat said over 250,000 people were vaccinated during a recent weekend, bringing the state total to 1.4 million doses administered since 2025, and reported 43 schools with confirmed infections that have led some institutions to shift to online classes. Officials also imposed a mandatory 30‑day mask requirement in basic education schools.

Mexico City has similarly ramped up immunization efforts, deploying 1,500 vaccinators across 500 brigades and reporting more than 800,000 people vaccinated since last August, with 166 confirmed cases in the capital since 2025. Federal authorities have expanded access to the measles‑mumps‑rubella vaccine through mobile units and public clinics to reach rural areas, migrant communities and neighborhoods with low coverage, emphasizing catch‑up immunizations for children, adolescents and unvaccinated adults.

Health officials say the surge stems from gaps in routine vaccination coverage exacerbated by the COVID‑19 pandemic, misinformation and increased population movement, including imported infections. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, poses severe risks to young children and immunocompromised people; experts stress that vaccination is the most effective prevention.

Under a state alert, Jalisco hospitals and clinics have been ordered to strengthen case detection, immediately report suspected infections and isolate patients when necessary. Authorities have urged parents to verify vaccination records and for schools to support outreach and reporting. So far, the alert does not include movement restrictions, but officials warned additional measures could follow if sustained community transmission appears.

Medical associations and pediatricians have welcomed the rapid response, noting that early action is critical to prevent escalation. Public reactions in Jalisco are mixed, with some parents seeking vaccinations while others express confusion amid conflicting information; health officials say clearer communication and public trust are essential to the campaign’s success.