Measles outbreak in the Mexican state of Jalisco, co-host of the 2026 World Cup

The Mexican state of Jalisco issued a health alert and imposed the wearing of masks in schools, after a measles outbreak occurred in the city of Guadalajara, the state capital, which is one of the main cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
These measures come in the wake of an epidemiological alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization earlier this week regarding the spread of this disease.
According to the Mexican government, the state of Jalisco is the epicenter of the measles outbreak, with 1,163 confirmed cases recorded this year, along with 2,092 suspected cases.
Scientists say the increase in outbreaks across the Western Hemisphere is linked to a decline in vaccination rates.
The health authorities in the state of Jalisco announced that the wearing of masks will be imposed in schools in the city of Guadalajara within seven specific neighborhoods, for a period of 30 days.
The measles outbreak comes at a time when Mexico is preparing to receive visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Mexico and Canada will co-host. The city of Guadalajara is one of the main locations in Mexico that will host the FIFA World Cup matches.