Mexico’s Health Secretary Recommends Masks Amid Measles Outbreak

Mexico City, Mexico — Health Secretary David Kershenobich has recommended mask use as a protective measure amid rising measles cases in Mexico, though he clarified this advice applies specifically to those in contact with infected individuals rather than the general population.

Kershenobich emphasized that masks do not replace vaccination, stating both measures should be used together. “It’s very important to know that masks don’t invalidate the need to get vaccinated,” he said recently in an interview. “When a measles case is detected, people nearby should get vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent transmission.”

Symptoms and Transmission

The health official noted that early symptoms can resemble flu or winter illnesses, including:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis
• General malaise

He added that anyone experiencing these symptoms should wear a mask to avoid infecting others.

According to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), measles is a virus transmitted through droplets expelled when speaking, coughing, or sneezing. While typically affecting young children, it can also occur in adolescents and adults.

The incubation period lasts 10 to 14 days, with initial symptoms including high fever, cough, nasal discharge, eye redness and burning, and headache. A full-body rash typically follows.

Targeted Recommendations

Kershenobich said only Chihuahua and Jalisco currently warrant more general mask recommendations due to high exposure to confirmed cases.

In Jalisco, the government this week mandated masks in schools across seven municipalities of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area following a measles outbreak. The immediate measure will remain in effect for an initial 30 days in:

• San Pedro Tlaquepaque
• Tonalá
• Guadalajara
• Zapopan
• El Salto
• Tlajomulco de Zúñiga
• Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos

The state currently has 1,776 confirmed cases with 449 active across 18 municipalities. Authorities plan to administer up to 350,000 vaccines weekly throughout February.