A growing measles outbreak in the US has prompted a health warning for American tourists, with neighboring Mexico also seeing a surge in cases. As vaccination rates continue to fall, experts warn of a potential resurgence of the highly contagious disease.
The number of measles cases in Mexico has surged, with 713 confirmed cases reported in the border state of Chihuahua, according to the Mexican Ministry of Health. The outbreak is linked to a cluster of cases north of the border in Texas, where a major measles outbreak has been ongoing since late January.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus.
It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were over 200,000 measles-related deaths in 2019.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
Measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and blindness.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks, with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine providing 97% immunity.
High Transmission Rates and Low Vaccination Coverage
In comparison, only 7 confirmed cases were reported in Mexico in 2024, highlighting the significant impact of the US outbreak on neighboring countries. The high transmission rates of measles are largely due to low vaccination coverage in both the US and Mexico. In the US, a staggering 884 confirmed cases have been reported this year, with 646 cases in Texas alone.
Travel Warning Issued
In response to the growing concern, Mexico’s Ministry of Health has issued a travel warning for the United States and Canada, where cases have also risen sharply. The ministry advises travelers to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, practice social distancing, wear a mask, and frequently wash their hands.
Travel warnings are advisories issued by governments to alert citizens about potential safety risks in a specific destination.
These warnings can be based on various factors, including civil unrest, crime rates, health concerns, or natural disasters.
According to the US Department of State, over 1 million Americans travel abroad each year, and understanding travel warnings is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Travelers should check official government websites for up-to-date information before planning their trip.
Falling Vaccination Levels Drive Up Cases
Falling vaccination levels in both countries have contributed to the surge in measles cases. In 98 percent of US cases this year, patients had no history of vaccination against measles. This has led to a significant number of deaths from the disease, with three reported fatalities in the US so far.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global vaccination rates have been declining in recent years.
In 2020, an estimated 80% of children under the age of 15 received at least one vaccine dose.
However, this number has dropped by 10% since 2019.
Low-income countries are disproportionately affected, with some reporting vaccination rates as low as 50%.
Factors contributing to this decline include conflict, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare services.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease
Measles is a viral disease that spreads rapidly among children and can be deadly if left untreated. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected nasal or pharyngeal secretions and through the air, causing symptoms such as high fever, cough, abundant nasal discharges, and a skin rash that spreads all over the body.
National Vaccination Week Launched
In an effort to boost vaccination rates in Mexico, the Ministry of Health has launched a National Vaccination Week, the country’s first nationwide immunization campaign since the Covid-19 pandemic. The plan aims to inoculate 1.8 million children with measles vaccines by offering them for free at hospitals, clinics, schools, and health centers.
Long-term Consequences
If vaccination rates do not improve, this could allow measles to become endemic again in North America, resulting in the deaths of 2,500 people over the next 25 years, according to an analysis by Stanford University epidemiologists.
