Measles risks rise due to declining vaccination coverage in Mexico and Chile

Health experts are warning of increased measles risks in Mexico and Chile due to incomplete vaccination schedules and gaps in epidemiological surveillance.

In Mexico, Dr. Celia Alpuche Aranda noted that measles outbreaks are no longer limited to young children but are also affecting adolescents and adults. She warned that accumulated delays in vaccine application threaten previous progress in disease elimination. Effective control requires addressing distribution challenges to ensure vaccines reach all population sectors, not just those with easy access to medical services.

In Chile, epidemiologist María Paz Bertoglia reported that while the country has not seen community transmission since 1993, current vaccination coverage is falling short of the 95% required to halt the disease. In 2025, the second dose coverage reached only 78.2%. Furthermore, a proposed budget cut of approximately 9.7 billion pesos to the National Immunization Program could impact the ability to track contacts and reach unvaccinated individuals. The Americas are currently experiencing one of their worst years for measles in over two decades, with approximately 57,000 cases and 81 deaths reported.