Measles Outbreak in Sinaloa: Cases Rise, Vaccination Urged | 2026 Update

Sinaloa has emerged as a key battleground in Mexico’s fight against a resurgent measles outbreak, ranking fourth nationally in confirmed cases as of March 20, 2026, with 252 reported infections. The surge in cases, exceeding the 88 recorded throughout all of 2025, is prompting urgent calls for increased vaccination efforts and enhanced epidemiological surveillance.

Nationwide, Mexico has recorded 14,36 cases of measles through March 20, 2026, according to recent government data. Of these, 6,452 cases were identified in 2025, while 7,584 have been confirmed in the first weeks of this year, signaling a concerning upward trend. Authorities have also reported 35 measles-related deaths across the country, with the majority – 77.5 percent – occurring in 2025.

Jalisco currently leads the nation in measles cases with 4,439 confirmed infections, followed by Chiapas (650) and Mexico City (563). Sinaloa’s position as the fourth-highest state underscores the severity of the outbreak in the region, surpassing even the State of Mexico, which has reported 239 cases.

The Sinaloa Secretary of Health, Cuitláhuac González Galindo, has attributed the rise in cases to widespread misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, which he stated “crosses all social sectors.” He noted that resistance to vaccination is a significant obstacle to containing the disease, and that individuals often reconsider vaccination only after experiencing complications like deafness or neurological problems.

Health officials in Sinaloa have already administered over 500,000 measles vaccines as part of an ongoing campaign to curb the outbreak, with a goal of reaching 800,000 doses this year. The campaign is particularly focused on communities in the southern part of the state, as well as agricultural areas where transmission rates are elevated. The increased demand for pediatric care at the Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, beginning in January, reflects the growing number of children presenting with suspected and confirmed measles cases.

Mexico is aiming for certification as a measles-free country, a process scheduled for evaluation by international organizations on April 13. To achieve this goal, authorities are prioritizing efforts to reach at least 95 percent coverage with two doses of the SRP vaccine, aiming to establish a robust immunity barrier against further transmission. The government is also intensifying field operations, focusing on active epidemiological surveillance and expanded vaccination campaigns.