Measles Outbreak Sparks High Demand for Vaccines in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Mexico — Long lines formed at vaccination sites in Quintana Roo’s capital this week as residents rushed to get measles shots following confirmation of six cases across the state. Health officials reported the infections are evenly distributed between Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal, where the virus was detected in 10-month-old twins.

At strategic locations like the Las Américas shopping plaza, parents and adults waited in queues to secure protection for children and vulnerable groups. State health authorities confirmed they have a reserve of more than 124,000 doses to meet demand across the territory, aiming to sustain immunization campaigns and strengthen epidemiological containment in areas with active cases.

In addition to sites in the capital, vaccination centers have opened in Felipe Carrillo Puerto and major northern cities to improve access to the vaccine, which officials call the most effective tool for containing outbreaks.

Medical and nursing staff at the modules reported a sharp increase in public interest in recent days, largely driven by the need to complete delayed vaccination schedules. Authorities urged residents to review their national health records and visit inoculation points promptly, emphasizing that children face the highest risk of complications from the highly contagious disease.

As a complementary measure, officials advised the public to watch for symptoms like high fever, persistent rash, or breathing difficulties, and to avoid self-medication while seeking immediate professional care if symptoms appear.

The immunization campaign will remain active throughout February, with officials encouraging families to get vaccinated to protect their health and contribute to public health stability in the state.