Measles Outbreak in Jalisco Sparks Health Alert Ahead of World Cup
A growing measles outbreak in Mexico's Jalisco state has prompted authorities to issue a health alert and mandate face mask use in schools, amidst concerns that the highly contagious disease could compromise the country's hosting duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Mexican government has confirmed over 1,981 cases of measles this year, with more than 5,200 suspected cases reported. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Jalisco, where 1,163 have been confirmed and 2,092 suspected. Experts warn that the region's low vaccination rates are a major contributor to the outbreak.
The health alert comes as officials scramble to prevent the spread of the disease among visitors from around the world who will be attending the World Cup, which is set to begin in June. The Mexican government has faced criticism for its handling of the outbreak, with some medical groups urging the local government to take urgent action to contain the spread of the virus.
In an effort to curb the outbreak, schools across seven neighborhoods in Guadalajara will be required to use face masks until further notice. This marks a significant escalation in the government's response to the crisis, as Jalisco was the first Mexican state to impose such measures since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the growing measles outbreak across the Americas, with cases reported in seven countries including Mexico and Canada. The WHO had previously requested a two-month extension from both governments to control the spread of the virus, but its status remains uncertain following the Trump administration's withdrawal from the organization.
As the outbreak continues to grow, officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against measles, which can be prevented with just two doses of the vaccine. Despite this, vaccination rates remain low in some areas, leaving the region vulnerable to further outbreaks. The Mexican government has announced the launch of new vaccination sites across the country, including at airports and bus stations, as part of its efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.
A growing measles outbreak in Mexico's Jalisco state has prompted authorities to issue a health alert and mandate face mask use in schools, amidst concerns that the highly contagious disease could compromise the country's hosting duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Mexican government has confirmed over 1,981 cases of measles this year, with more than 5,200 suspected cases reported. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Jalisco, where 1,163 have been confirmed and 2,092 suspected. Experts warn that the region's low vaccination rates are a major contributor to the outbreak.
The health alert comes as officials scramble to prevent the spread of the disease among visitors from around the world who will be attending the World Cup, which is set to begin in June. The Mexican government has faced criticism for its handling of the outbreak, with some medical groups urging the local government to take urgent action to contain the spread of the virus.
In an effort to curb the outbreak, schools across seven neighborhoods in Guadalajara will be required to use face masks until further notice. This marks a significant escalation in the government's response to the crisis, as Jalisco was the first Mexican state to impose such measures since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the growing measles outbreak across the Americas, with cases reported in seven countries including Mexico and Canada. The WHO had previously requested a two-month extension from both governments to control the spread of the virus, but its status remains uncertain following the Trump administration's withdrawal from the organization.
As the outbreak continues to grow, officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against measles, which can be prevented with just two doses of the vaccine. Despite this, vaccination rates remain low in some areas, leaving the region vulnerable to further outbreaks. The Mexican government has announced the launch of new vaccination sites across the country, including at airports and bus stations, as part of its efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.