Mexico City is facing a growing measles outbreak, with confirmed cases reaching 263 as of February 16, 2026 – a significant increase of 46 cases in just three days. Authorities are responding by expanding vaccination strategies, including the planned installation of five to six large-scale vaccination centers to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining high vaccination rates and preventing the resurgence of preventable diseases.
The increase in cases is prompting a robust public health response led by the Mexico City Secretary of Health, Nadine Gasman Zylbermann. According to recent reports, approximately 77 percent of those infected with measles in the capital had no prior record of vaccination. This highlights the critical importance of ensuring complete vaccination schedules for children and providing opportunities for adults to catch up on missed doses. The city is as well analyzing a potential second measles-related death, though confirmation is still pending.
The current outbreak is not limited to Mexico City, with a national total of 8,459 confirmed measles cases and 27 deaths reported across 32 states and 300 municipalities as of February 9, 2026, according to Dr. Gasman Zylbermann. Within Mexico City, the boroughs of Gustavo A. Madero, Álvaro Obregón, Cuauhtémoc, Iztacalco, Coyoacán, and Iztapalapa are experiencing the highest concentration of cases, prompting targeted interventions including expanded health brigades and localized epidemiological containment efforts.
Since the start of the vaccination campaign in August, over 1.19 million doses of the measles vaccine have been administered, with a recent surge seeing 270,977 doses given in the past week alone, reaching a peak of 41,139 vaccinations in a single day. The city has bolstered its vaccination infrastructure, now operating 140 vaccination points supported by 560 vaccinators, alongside 300 additional brigades focused on targeted outreach and epidemiological blockades. This represents a total of 440 brigades and 1,149 personnel deployed in the field.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of community participation in controlling the outbreak. Dr. Gasman Zylbermann expressed gratitude for the public’s response to the call for vaccination, noting that coordinated efforts between health institutions, city departments, and federal forces are crucial for strengthening coverage and accelerating collective protection against the disease. The strategy focuses on completing vaccination schedules for children at 12 and 18 months, and immunizing individuals aged 10 to 49 who are unsure of their vaccination status.
The resurgence of measles is attributed to declining vaccination coverage rates in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials are urging anyone unsure of their vaccination history to get vaccinated, aiming to increase community immunity and prevent further spread of the virus.
Tragically, the outbreak has already resulted in at least one confirmed death in Mexico City – a 14-month-classic infant who passed away on December 25, 2025. The confirmation of the death came after an epidemiological investigation, as the initial death certificate did not explicitly list measles as the cause.
Looking ahead, the success of the vaccination campaign will be critical in containing the outbreak and preventing further cases. Continued monitoring of case numbers and vaccination coverage will be essential, along with ongoing efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure equitable access to vaccination services. The situation remains fluid, and public health officials will continue to adapt their strategies as needed to protect the population of Mexico City.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.