Mexico measles outbreak 2026 kills 45, 12,460 cases reported

Mexico's 2026 measles outbreak has resulted in 45 deaths and 12,460 confirmed cases to date, bringing the cumulative total since the start of the outbreak to 19,074. The year's tally represents a 188% increase over 2025. The state of Chihuahua accounts for the highest number of fatalities (21), followed by Zacatecas (6), Jalisco (5), Mexico City (4) and Durango (3). Jalisco leads in infections with 6,701 confirmed cases, while Mexico City ranks second.

In the state of Campeche, six new measles cases were identified among Guatemalan migrant agricultural workers, raising the state’s total to 16 confirmed cases for 2026, with six cases still active. Health authorities classify these as imported cases, report no evidence of community transmission, and are monitoring between 100 and 200 contacts.

The Secretaría de Salud emphasises that measles remains highly contagious and can cause severe complications, especially in children under five, pregnant women, adults and people with weakened immunity. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, progressing to Koplik spots and a red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. Warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, seizures, severe headache or dehydration require immediate medical attention.