The state of Jalisco in Mexico has declared a health alert and made it mandatory for face masks to be worn in schools due to a measles outbreak in the state capital, a significant host city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This action follows an epidemiological alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) concerning the spread of measles in the Americas, with Mexico leading the region with 1,981 confirmed cases and over 5,200 suspected cases this year.
Jalisco has been identified as the epicenter 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, a state in northern Mexico, when a Mennonite child became ill while visiting relatives in a region of Texas experiencing an outbreak. The outbreak escalated in Mennonite communities, known for high vaccine hesitancy rates, and has since spread across Mexico, marking the country’s most extensive outbreak in decades.
Experts warn that the surge in measles cases across the region is linked to declining vaccination rates. Mauricio Rodriguez, a microbiology professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico specializing in epidemics, pointed out that Mexico is experiencing a rise in cases due to incomplete immunization schedules in many communities, posing a heightened risk during the upcoming summer months when the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, all grappling with rising measles cases, will welcome visitors from around the world.
Considering the potential for outbreaks during the World Cup, particularly in host cities like Guadalajara, health authorities in Jalisco have announced the mandatory use of masks in schools located in seven specific neighborhoods for the next 30 days to curb the spread of the virus. This initiative marks the first public health mandate of its kind in Mexico since the COVID-19 pandemic. In efforts to control the infection, classes have been suspended in 15 schools in Jalisco and Aguascalientes due to outbreaks, and vaccination centers have been set up to facilitate immunization.
The Mexican government has been actively promoting measles vaccination, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine to prevent the disease. Vaccination sites have been established at key locations such as airports and bus stations to encourage the population to take preventive measures. Canada recently lost its measles-free status, and both the U.S. and Mexico face the risk of a similar outcome, prompting government actions to control the outbreak and protect public health.
As the situation continues to unfold, health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of measles and prevent further outbreaks, especially with the imminent influx of visitors and travelers anticipated during the FIFA World Cup events.