In February 2025, Mexico experienced a significant outbreak of measles that originated in the state of Chihuahua and spread to several other regions, raising alarms about the possibility of the country losing its status as measles-free. By February 2026, the situation had worsened, with the disease concentrating in states like Jalisco, Chiapas, Mexico City, and Sinaloa, prompting health authorities to strengthen their response strategies against the virus.

On February 11, 2026, President Claudia Sheinbaum held a press conference announcing that Mexico had acquired 28 million doses of vaccines with plans for further procurement. She emphasized that current vaccination strategies aimed to reduce infections and that no extraordinary measures were deemed necessary ahead of the upcoming World Cup event, reflecting a commitment to public health amidst global sporting events.

Despite the resurgence, it’s noteworthy that Mexico was certified measles-free by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 1996, indicating previous successful efforts to control the disease. This recent outbreak poses challenges to health officials who now face the task of not only addressing the current cases but also safeguarding the public health achievements of the past decades.