Mexico facing the measles epidemic: Figures that transcend borders

Abstract

Abstract

Measles is one of the most transmissible vaccine-preventable viral diseases, whose containment depends primarily on the sustained implementation of specific vaccination programs with high population coverage. Over the last decade, the emergence and persistence of outbreaks have been documented in various countries in North America and Europe. In Mexico, following the occurrence of cases in 2020, viral circulation was identified again starting in 2024, evolving by 2026 into a scenario of epidemiological resurgence with nationwide spread and associated fatal cases. This editorial analyzes the epidemiological behavior of measles in Europe, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, as well as the implications that these data represent for the national context. Based on a review of the available evidence and the identified epidemiological findings, a critical reflection is presented on the magnitude and cross-border spread of this disease, as well as on the emerging public health challenges in a scenario characterized by increased population mobility, particularly during mass sporting events and holiday periods.