Measles Cases Surge in Mexico as Health Officials Urge Vaccination Review

Mexico City — Measles continues to spread across Mexico, with health authorities confirming 8,575 cases through the National Epidemiological Surveillance System and urging the public to review vaccination schedules to prevent further outbreaks.

The Health Department is calling for immunization of children, adolescents, and adults up to age 49 as the primary defense against the virus. However, many people remain uncertain about their vaccination status due to lost documentation or confusion about dosage schedules.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of Mexico’s national vaccination program. According to health officials, children should receive two doses between ages 1 and 9, while infants aged 6 to 11 months can receive a “zero dose” that doesn’t replace the scheduled doses.

The measles and rubella (MR) vaccine is recommended for people aged 10 to 49 who haven’t been immunized or don’t remember their vaccination history. Healthcare workers must receive a mandatory booster of this vaccine. Adults over 49 generally don’t need immunization as they likely had the disease or were vaccinated previously.

The 95% Threshold Challenge

The World Health Organization states that herd immunity against measles requires 95% of the population to have complete vaccination coverage. Health authorities have strengthened epidemiological surveillance and recommend immediately reporting any suspicious symptoms and maintaining preventive isolation for infected individuals.

The Health Department also recommends hygiene measures to contain transmission chains, including frequent handwashing, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Some states like Mexico State have implemented health screening filters and made masks mandatory in schools. Officials advise against self-medication and recommend immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

Recognizing Measles Symptoms

The measles virus has an incubation period of approximately 7 to 14 days. According to the Pan American Health Organization, symptoms typically progress through clear stages, and early recognition is crucial to prevent spread.

The first two to three days feature high fever (sometimes reaching 40°C or 104°F), dry cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Before the characteristic rash appears, small white spots with bluish centers called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth on the inner cheeks—a symptom unique to measles that allows for early diagnosis.

Following this, a flat red rash emerges, starting on the face behind the ears and hairline, then spreading downward to the trunk, arms, and finally legs. An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after it emerges, making early detection critical.