The state of Jalisco in Mexico has declared a health emergency and made it mandatory for students in schools to wear face masks following a measles outbreak in the state capital, which is a significant city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This action comes after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert due to the spread of measles in the Americas, with Mexico having the highest number of confirmed cases at 1,981 and over 5,200 suspected cases this year.
Jalisco is at the center of the outbreak, with 1,163 confirmed cases and 2,092 suspected cases reported by the Mexican government. The measles outbreak originated last year in Chihuahua, Mexico, after a Mennonite child became sick during a visit to a region in Texas affected by an outbreak. The virus spread rapidly in Mennonite communities, known for vaccine hesitancy, leading to a widespread outbreak across Mexico, the largest in decades.
Health experts warn of the increased risk of outbreaks during the World Cup due to declining vaccination rates. Mauricio Rodriguez, a microbiology professor, highlighted the surge in cases in Mexico due to incomplete immunization schedules in many communities. With the influx of visitors for the World Cup, there is a heightened risk of introducing more outbreaks from other countries.
To combat the outbreak, health authorities in Jalisco announced the mandatory use of masks in schools in specific neighborhoods in Guadalajara for the next 30 days. The state also suspended classes in several schools due to outbreaks. Efforts to control the infection include vaccination centers set up in government buildings, where students and teachers are receiving vaccinations.
Both the U.S. and Mexico are at risk of losing their measles-free status, with Canada already losing its status in November. Governments are working to control the outbreak, with Mexico encouraging vaccination against measles and setting up vaccination sites in high-traffic areas. The Pan American Health Organization reported a significant increase in measles cases in the Americas this year, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.
