Background on Key Figures and Relevance
David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, the current Mexican federal health secretary, is at the forefront of addressing a significant public health concern in Mexico. The rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough) and measles have prompted urgent attention from the Secretaría de Salud federal.
Pertussis Cases Surge
As of April 29, Mexico has confirmed 809 pertussis cases across 15 states. This alarming increase represents a more than 1,240% rise compared to the same period last year when only 60 cases were reported. Tragically, 48 infants under one year of age have succumbed to the disease.
- States with the highest number of confirmed pertussis cases include the Mexico City, Nuevo León, and Chihuahua.
- The outbreak has spread to at least a dozen other states.
Pertussis, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is highly contagious and affects individuals of all ages. In infants, it can lead to permanent disability.
Measles Cases on the Rise
The federal health secretary also reported 3,433 probable measles cases in 2024, with seven confirmed. Of these, two were imported cases and five related to importation in the Mexico City and Guanajuato regions.
As of week 16 in 2025, there have been 2,019 probable measles cases reported, with 583 confirmed. Chihuahua accounts for 560 of these cases, while Oaxaca has reported only four cases, all of which have been discharged.
Measles is a viral disease, with young children and pregnant women who haven’t been vaccinated being the most susceptible.
Vaccination Efforts
In response to these outbreaks, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that the 2025 National Vaccination Week progressed to 31% of its target, aiming to vaccinate 1.8 million Mexicans.
Ramiro López Elizalde, the subsecretary of Health Policies and Population Well-being, reported that between April 26 and 28, 566,753 doses were administered.
During the National Vaccination Week, which concludes on May 3, 12 vaccines will be administered according to the following schedule:
- Infant health: BCG, Hepatitis B, Hexavalente, Rotavirus, and Neumococo
Key Questions and Answers
- What are pertussis and measles? Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Measles is a viral disease that primarily affects young children and unvaccinated individuals.
- Why are these diseases concerning? Both pertussis and measles can lead to severe complications, especially in infants and unvaccinated individuals. Pertussis can cause permanent disability, while measles can result in serious health issues.
- What is being done to address the rising cases? The Mexican government has launched a National Vaccination Week to increase vaccination coverage and curb the spread of these diseases.
