MEXICO CITY – The National Action Party (PAN) has issued a stern warning regarding a significant resurgence of measles and whooping cough cases across Mexico, with a particular focus on Mexico City. The party is urging health authorities to implement immediate and comprehensive measures to prevent a further escalation of the public health crisis.
PAN Demands Robust Response to Measles and Whooping Cough Surge
Patricia Carrasco, a prominent PAN deputy, highlighted the critical need for a reinforced vaccination strategy and heightened epidemiological surveillance. The party’s demands include the establishment of health filters at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the launch of extensive preventive campaigns to inform and protect the populace.
The call to action comes as the country grapples with an alarming increase in vaccine-preventable diseases. According to the federal government’s daily report on the measles outbreak, as of December 19, 2025, Mexico had accumulated 5,860 confirmed cases of measles nationwide, with 45 new contagions reported in the preceding 24 hours. Chihuahua leads the nation with over 4,000 cases, followed by Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán. The outbreak has tragically resulted in 24 associated deaths across the country. [adn40.mx](https://www.adn40.mx/salud/2025-12-20/aumentan-casos-sarampion-en-mexico/)
Mexico City: A New Front in the Battle Against Measles
Mexico City has emerged as a new area of concern, with 22 confirmed measles cases in 2025. After a seven-week period without new registrations, December alone saw at least 15 new contagions, triggering health alerts. The capital currently has 933 probable cases under investigation. Health specialists emphasize that early detection is crucial to prevent community transmission chains. [adn40.mx](https://www.adn40.mx/salud/2025-12-20/aumentan-casos-sarampion-en-mexico/)
The incidence rate in Mexico City is currently low at 0.07 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the city’s high population density and connectivity create an ideal environment for a rapid escalation of the outbreak. Measles is known as the most contagious disease, with a transmission rate so high that an infected individual can spread it to 90% of non-immune individuals in their vicinity. The virus spreads primarily through airborne droplets and can remain active in enclosed spaces for hours. [elpais.com](https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-09-02/donde-vacunarse-contra-el-sarampion-en-ciudad-de-mexico-y-lo-que-hay-que-saber-del-brote.html)
Vulnerable Populations and Vaccination Efforts
Children aged 0 to 4 years account for the majority of cases, followed by young adults between 20 and 29 years old. Incomplete vaccination schedules are cited as a primary factor increasing the risk of contagion in these groups. The federal government has initiated a comprehensive strategy to contain the outbreak, aiming to eradicate cases by November 2025. This includes providing free vaccination for individuals between 6 months and 49 years of age, covering children under nine, adolescents, non-immunized adults, and vulnerable groups such as healthcare and education personnel. [elpais.com](https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-09-02/donde-vacunarse-contra-el-sarampion-en-ciudad-de-mexico-y-lo-que-hay-que-saber-del-brote.html)
In Mexico City, the SRP (measles, rubella, and mumps) vaccine is offered free of charge at all health units, without the need for a National Health Card. Between October 2024 and August 2025, 131,432 doses against measles were administered. The government projects to administer 200,000 doses by the end of October 2025. [excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/comunidad/cdmx-refuerza-vacunacion-sarampion/1736780)
Symptoms and Prevention
Measles is characterized by fever, red skin spots, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Health authorities reiterate the importance of vaccination, as one infected person can transmit the disease to up to 18 others. Early detection and adherence to vaccination schedules are critical in mitigating the spread.
The Ministry of Health also warns against minimizing respiratory symptoms during the winter season, as diseases like measles, influenza, or COVID-19 can be mistaken for a common cold but pose a high risk of contagion. These diseases are easily transmitted through talking, coughing, sneezing, or close contact with others. Rest, avoiding public places, wearing face masks, and seeking medical attention for symptoms are strongly recommended. [excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/ciudad-de-mexico/cdmx-16-casos-sarampion-nuevos-contagios-campana-vacunacion)
Whooping Cough: A Parallel Concern
Alongside measles, whooping cough (pertussis) is also experiencing a significant increase. As of week 42 of 2025, Mexico has reported 1,516 confirmed cases of whooping cough. The states with the highest numbers are Chihuahua (143), Mexico City (142), Nuevo León (141), and Aguascalientes (102). The national incidence rate is 1.14 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There have been 71 deaths due to whooping cough, with 67 occurring in infants under one year of age who had no documented vaccination history. 88.05% of these deaths were in infants under six months old. [gob.mx](https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/1032160/Boletin_informativo-29_EPV_SE42_20251024.pdf)
The PAN’s urgent call for action underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a concerted effort from both authorities and the public to protect against these preventable diseases.
Source: [oem.com.mx](https://oem.com.mx/la-prensa/metropoli/diputada-alerta-por-aumento-de-sarampion-en-cdmx-y-pide-vigilancia-27526284), [elpais.com](https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-09-02/donde-vacunarse-contra-el-sarampion-en-ciudad-de-mexico-y-lo-que-hay-que-saber-del-brote.html), [excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/comunidad/cdmx-refuerza-vacunacion-sarampion/1736780), [adn40.mx](https://www.adn40.mx/salud/2025-12-20/aumentan-casos-sarampion-en-mexico/), [excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/ciudad-de-mexico/cdmx-16-casos-sarampion-nuevos-contagios-campana-vacunacion), [gob.mx](https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/1032160/Boletin_informativo-29_EPV_SE42_20251024.pdf)
