Most measles cases in Jalisco did not have a vaccination schedule.

Jalisco's Secretary of Health, Héctor Raúl Pérez Gómez , announced this Friday that, based on an analysis of confirmed measles cases in Jalisco, 95.1% were not fully vaccinated, and only 4.9% had received the required two doses.

" Measles has occurred almost exclusively in people who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Therefore, we urge parents to check their children's vaccination records and go to health centers to receive the vaccine. ", the official urged.

Pérez Gómez highlighted the efficacy and safety of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella, and mumps, and clarified that there has been no shortage of the vaccine in the country or in Jalisco. He also reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective tool to curb the spread of the virus.

" We have a highly effective and safe vaccine, available in Mexico and Jalisco. We have never had a shortage of availability. It is one of the cornerstones of the universal vaccination program. ", he said.

The secretary warned that the decline in vaccination coverage was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where some people were hesitant to get vaccinated, in addition to misinformation spread by anti-vaccine groups. These factors, he said, have contributed to the increase in measles cases in various countries.

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" The World Health Organization has warned of a worrying decline in vaccination coverage. The pandemic reduced the use of vaccines, and there is also a global phenomenon of anti-vaccine groups that particularly affects Europe and the United States. What we are experiencing today could be related to this decline. ", he noted.

He warned that the resurgence of measles is not a phenomenon unique to the state or Mexico, but rather part of a global problem affecting the Americas and other parts of the world . The official explained that the spread of the virus has shown a significant upswing during 2025, following a drop in vaccination coverage in recent years.

" This is not a problem unique to the state of Jalisco or our country, but an epidemiological phenomenon that is unfortunately also occurring in Europe and the Americas. In the case of the Americas, this increase has been particularly significant during 2025. ", said Pérez Gómez.

The Minister of Health highlighted the high transmission capacity of this virus, " making it one of the most contagious infectious diseases known ". He recalled that, unlike COVID-19, where one patient could infect three people, measles has a much greater potential to spread.

" A single case of measles can transmit the disease to up to 13 people, which is why it is considered the most contagious respiratory disease, which requires maintaining preventive measures and reinforcing vaccination. "He explained, adding that a person with measles can infect others for 13 days: 3 before showing symptoms and 10 more afterward.

In Jalisco, as of October 23, 2025, the secretary said, 122 cases of measles have been confirmed, according to the State Public Health Laboratory. Of these, the most affected municipalities are:

• Arandas
• Tepatitlán
• San Pedro Tlaquepaque
• Jesus Mary
• Zapopan

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Patients range in age from 2 months to 55 years; the 5- to 9-year-old age group accounts for the highest number of infections, with 26 cases, and 52% are women.

" Epidemiological surveillance in Jalisco has been very specific. We have an active laboratory that has confirmed each case using PCR testing, in addition to other serological techniques when necessary. ", the secretary specified.

Nationally, he said, Mexico has 5,042 confirmed cases , with Chihuahua accounting for 4,411, followed by Jalisco. The current national rate is 3.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while Jalisco has 0.8 cases, placing it eighth among the states.

" While it has been said that Jalisco occupies second place in absolute number of cases, we must also look at the incidence: per 100,000 inhabitants, the state is in eighth place, with a significantly lower proportion than that registered in Chihuahua. ", he pointed out.

He added that, internationally, as of April 18, 2025, 2,318 cases had been recorded in the Americas, representing an 11-fold increase compared to the previous year. Pérez Gómez emphasized that this situation requires maintaining epidemiological surveillance and guaranteeing access to vaccines for the entire population.

Preventive measures to be strengthened in response to the risk of measles in Jalisco are being urged.

Given the increase in measles cases in the state and Mexico, the Jalisco Ministry of Health called on citizens to strengthen prevention measures in schools and at home.

In a press conference, the Director of Public Health, Roberto Carlos Rivera , stressed the importance of keeping vaccination schedules up to date and adopting basic hygiene and isolation measures if there is any suspicion.

Rivera recalled that the national vaccination schedule includes two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella, and mumps. The first dose is administered at one year of age and the second at 18 months. However, there are people between 20 and 25 years old today who haven't received this second dose, because it was previously administered at ages 5 or 6. For those in this group, we want to inform you that you can go to your health center to complete your schedule without any problems. ", said.

The official explained that preventive measures should be strengthened, especially in schools, offices, and closed spaces. It's essential to keep spaces well-ventilated. Even if we have air conditioning, it's important to open the windows at least once or twice a day to refresh the air. Respiratory viruses, including measles, can remain suspended for up to two hours in a closed environment. ", commented the director.

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He also recommended daily cleaning and disinfection of commonly used furniture and materials. There's no need to use expensive products; diluting chlorine with water is enough to eliminate the virus. The important thing is that this cleaning be done consistently in classrooms, common areas, and offices. ", said.

In addition, Rivera emphasized the importance of handwashing and avoiding sharing food or utensils, especially in the school environment: “ A sick person can transmit the virus simply by touching their mouth or nose and then handling objects. If another person comes into contact with those objects, infection is virtually certain if they are not vaccinated. .

He asked families not to send children with symptoms such as fever or rash to school, as a single child can infect an entire group.

The Director of Public Health emphasized that schools must implement health screening measures and maintain direct communication with medical authorities: if a student has a fever, conjunctivitis, or rash, they should not be allowed to enter the school and should be referred for a medical evaluation. If necessary, they should be kept in home isolation as directed by their physician.

Regarding the identification of suspected cases, Rivera explained that the main symptoms of measles are fever and rash . If suspected, the first step is to wear a face mask and isolate the patient to avoid contact with other people. If symptoms appear during school hours, the student should be kept in a separate space and parents should be notified immediately, he commented.

The official asked medical personnel to provide a certificate indicating the diagnosis and whether home isolation is required. He also requested that schools notify health authorities of any suspected cases of diseases subject to epidemiological surveillance, such as measles.

Finally, the State Secretary of Health, Héctor Raúl Pérez, recalled that the epidemiological surveillance system remains active on the telephone line designated for this purpose: " The Jalisco hotline continues to operate 24 hours a day, and we have the Epidemiological and Health Intelligence Unit, as well as epidemiologists in every region of the state. Any suspected case should be reported immediately so we can respond promptly and prevent outbreaks. "

Health Secretariat population hotlines:

Jalisco Health Line : 3338233220 Epidemiological and Sanitary Intelligence Unit : 3330305000 extensions: 35072 and 35059 Email : [email protected]

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