As of February 9, 2023, Mexico has reported 8,899 accumulated cases of measles along with 28 fatalities, according to the General Directorate of Epidemiology from the Ministry of Health. The outbreak, which began in Chihuahua a year ago, has been significantly linked to unvaccinated individuals, with Health Secretary David Kershenobich noting that 90% of the cases occurred among those who did not receive their vaccinations. This situation has raised alarm among public health officials about the implications of vaccine hesitancy in the resurgence of preventable diseases.

In response to the outbreak, the Mexican government has initiated a mass vaccination campaign, successfully administering 1.8 million doses in the state of Chihuahua to mitigate the spread of the disease. Health authorities acknowledge that while there is significant measles transmission in several states, most of the country currently has a low incidence of the virus. Health Secretary Kershenobich reassured the public that the government is well-equipped with vaccines and has identified the areas where outbreaks are occurring to intensify the vaccination campaign effectively.

As the number of measles cases continues to rise, especially noting that measles is more contagious than COVID-19, health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated. They have been clear on the importance of vaccination against measles, particularly targeting groups that remain unvaccinated, in order to prevent further outbreaks and ensure public safety. This resurgence highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public health officials in combating misinformation about vaccines and safeguarding community health.