Measles outbreak in Mexico and Guatemala tops 27,000 cases, 44 deaths

Mexico’s measles resurgence has tallied 18,768 confirmed cases by early July 2026 and 44 deaths, including a newborn fatality in Zacatecas. The national tally rose after a week‑long spike in Campeche, where confirmed cases increased to 11, bringing the Yucatán Peninsula’s total to 318. The federal health ministry notes 18,692 cases nationwide since 2025, with most fatalities occurring in Jalisco and Chihuahua.

Guatemala’s health ministry reported 27,145 confirmed measles cases and 26 deaths as of 5 July 2026, after re‑classifying records for accuracy. The central departments bear the heaviest burden, with the majority of cases among people aged 15‑39 and the highest mortality in children under one year. Complications cited include pneumonia, sepsis and encephalitis.

In the United States, the CDC recorded 2,170 cases – the highest in 35 years – with clusters linked to low vaccination rates, notably in Utah’s FLDS community where coverage fell to 30‑40%. Experts warn that declining immunisation threatens to reverse the 2000 declaration of measles elimination.