Background on Measles Situation in Mexico
Mexico is currently experiencing a surge in measles cases, primarily attributed to the low vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Mexico’s Secretary of Health, David Kershenobobich Stalnikowitz, only 87% of the target population has been vaccinated against measles.
Target Demographic and Current Vaccination Status
The age group most affected by measles is 0 to 4 years, with 1,149 confirmed cases and the highest incidence rate (11.04 per 100,000 individuals under 4 years old). The second and third most affected groups are 25 to 29 years (593 cases) and 30 to 34 years (487 cases).
Government Response and Vaccination Strategy
Kershenobich acknowledged that children did not receive vaccinations regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to lower vaccination rates among this demographic. He emphasized that the goal is to reach 95% vaccination coverage.
The current measles outbreak originated from Texas, and the strategy has focused on containing the spread in Chihuahua. Kershenobich mentioned that migrant workers in Chihuahua still need to be vaccinated.
He also clarified the vaccination schedule: 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months for the first dose; a second dose at 6 years of age. Kershenobich stressed that vaccination should not be forced and encouraged people to voluntarily get vaccinated.
Measles Cases and Mortality in Mexico
As of Tuesday, September 23, Mexico reported a cumulative total of 4,653 measles cases, with eight new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours and a total of 21 deaths due to the disease.
Chihuahua has the highest number of cases (4,293) and 20 deaths, resulting in a measles incidence rate of 108.3 per 100,000 residents. Other states with notable cases include Sonora (97 confirmed cases, 1 death), Coahuila (55 confirmed cases), Guerrero (51 confirmed cases), Michoacán (25 confirmed cases), and Durango (22 confirmed cases).
Health Routes Announcement
On Tuesday morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the second phase of health routes will conclude next Friday.
“Remember that each month, we will deliver the necessary medications for primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels—that is, health centers, hospitals, and specialty hospitals,” Sheinbaum said during the federal executive’s morning press conference.
The program delivers 147 types of medications and supplies to 8,342 health centers in 23 states affiliated with IMSS Bienestar.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main cause of the measles resurgence in Mexico? The low vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic is primarily responsible for the measles outbreak in Mexico.
- Which age group is most affected by measles in Mexico? The 0 to 4-year-old age group has the highest number of measles cases and incidence rate.
- What is the current vaccination coverage for measles in Mexico? As of now, 87% of the target population has been vaccinated against measles.
- Where did the current measles outbreak originate? The outbreak originated from Texas.
- What is the vaccination schedule for measles in Mexico? The first dose is administered at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months, with a second dose at 6 years of age.
- How many measles cases and deaths have been reported in Mexico? There have been a cumulative total of 4,653 measles cases and 21 deaths reported in Mexico.
- Which states have the highest number of measles cases? Chihuahua has the most cases (4,293) and deaths (20), followed by Sonora, Coahuila, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Durango.
- What are the health routes announced by President Sheinbaum? The health routes program will deliver necessary medications for primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels to 8,342 health centers in 23 states.
