Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo has confirmed 17 measles cases, all involving unvaccinated individuals, Governor Mara Lezama announced Saturday, urging residents to complete their immunization schedules to prevent further spread.
The governor, speaking during Bacalar’s 15th anniversary as a municipality, detailed the case distribution: five in Benito Juárez, five in Othón P. Blanco, six in Playa del Carmen, and one in Isla Mujeres. She emphasized that none of the infected individuals had received the measles vaccine.
“We have sufficient vaccines in all municipalities. Vaccination is the barrier we can build,” Lezama said.
In response to the national outbreak, health authorities are administering a “zero vaccine” to infants starting at six months old. However, Lezama clarified this dose doesn’t replace the two regular schedule vaccines given at 12 and 18 months, meaning this generation will receive three doses total.
The governor warned that many people aged 30-35 might have incomplete vaccination records, as schools didn’t always require immunization cards in previous years. She recommended checking family records and getting vaccinated if uncertain.
Symptoms initially resemble flu—red, watery eyes, runny nose, and general malaise—but differ with high fever reaching 39-40°C and a characteristic rash starting on the face and neck before spreading. Lezama noted face masks aren’t mandatory in Quintana Roo but can be used by symptomatic individuals or vulnerable groups, with vaccination remaining the priority.
Separately, Lezama highlighted historic security investments, mentioning Monday’s Security Council meeting in Bacalar as part of an itinerant strategy addressing each municipality. She emphasized coordination with the National Guard, Mexican Army, Navy, judiciary, and State Prosecutor’s Office, aligned with federal strategy.
The governor also promoted Quintana Roo’s potential as a filming location, supporting new film production legislation to attract investment and international exposure. She noted the Mexican Caribbean’s 12 tourist destinations and natural settings offer strategic opportunities for domestic and international cinema while strengthening cultural identity and generating economic benefits.
On infrastructure, Lezama reported the new Nichupté Bridge connecting the hotel zone directly to downtown is over 90% complete, with the final concrete section placed. The bridge, using the “top down” construction method for the first time in Mexico due to its lagoon location, could open between March and April depending on weather conditions.
Lezama announced the next public hearing will be February 18 in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, where numerous citizen registrations already exist, allowing direct engagement with residents alongside the state cabinet.
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