Measles Outbreak in Mexico: 4,000 Cases, 14 Deaths

Mexico City, Mexico — The Mexican Ministry of Health confirmed on August 11 that the country has recorded a cumulative total of 4,006 measles cases, along with 14 deaths linked to the disease, according to its latest epidemiological report.

Outbreak Remains Active Despite Containment Efforts

The report noted 24 new cases confirmed in the past 24 hours, indicating that the outbreak persists despite intensified public health measures. The northern state of Chihuahua remains the epicenter, accounting for 93% of all infections with 3,736 cases. Other affected states include Sonora (87 cases), Coahuila (47), Durango (22), and Zacatecas (21).

Deaths have also been concentrated in northern Mexico, with 13 fatalities in Chihuahua and one in Sonora.

Children and Young Adults Most Affected

Health officials identified children aged 0 to 4 as the most vulnerable group, with 931 cases reported. The outbreak has raised concerns in schools and daycare centers.

Young adults have also been significantly impacted, with 539 cases among those aged 25 to 29 and 442 in the 30-to-34 age group. Infections are nearly evenly split by gender, with 52% of cases in women and 48% in men.

Government Response and Vaccination Campaigns

David Kershenobich, head of the Ministry of Health, stated that authorities are intensifying efforts to control the outbreak. “Our goal is to eliminate measles cases by November and return to being a measles-free country,” he said during a presidential press conference on July 29.

Kershenobich emphasized that vaccination campaigns have been scaled up, particularly in Chihuahua. “The outbreak is largely contained in other states, but Chihuahua remains critical. We have deployed a significant number of vaccinators in coordination with the state government to immunize the population aggressively,” he explained.

Health officials reiterated calls for the public to get vaccinated, especially in outbreak zones, to curb further transmission in the coming weeks.