Mexico’s Ministry of Health says Vaccinations Working: 30% Fewer Active Measles Cases

ByArturo Sánchez and Alma E. Muñoz

This article by Arturo Sánchez and Alma E. Muñoz originally appeared in the March 17, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Mexico City. The public’s response to the call made by health authorities to get vaccinated against measles has begun to show results in the country, with a reduction in active cases and a downward trend, the federal government reported on Tuesday.

At the morning press conference at the National Palace, officials from the Ministry of Health detailed that 13.3 million vaccines have been administered in five weeks, which has helped to slow the transmission of the virus. However, they urged the public to “not let their guard down.”

Undersecretary of Health Eduardo Clark García Dobarganes emphasized that vaccination is the primary tool for containing the outbreak. “Thanks to this effort, we are already seeing a significant reduction in the rate of measles virus transmission,” he noted.

He indicated that the peak of infections occurred toward the end of February and that there are currently “almost 30 percent fewer” active cases compared to three or four weeks ago. However, he warned that the risk remains if measures are relaxed. “There can always be surprises if we let our guard down,” he stated.

He explained that the goal is to administer 25 million vaccines, averaging 2.5 million per week, and that they have already surpassed half of that target. He also acknowledged the participation of institutions such as the IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar, as well as state governments.

Despite the progress, he warned that in Durango, Sonora, Puebla and Quintana Roo a clear downward trend is not yet observed, so he called for reinforcing vaccination, especially among people aged 13 to 49 who do not have a complete vaccination schedule.

For his part, Health Secretary David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz reported that the outbreak in Jalisco, where 60 percent of the cases were concentrated, “is clearly on the decline.” He detailed that of more than 4,600 accumulated cases, there are currently 617 active cases and only 59 new infections.

He added that most cases in that state are concentrated in six municipalities and that vaccination has been key to containing the spread. “We are reaching very high vaccination levels to control the outbreak,” he stated.