The Mexican state of Jalisco has issued a health alert and mandated mask-wearing in schools following a measles outbreak in Guadalajara, the state capital. Guadalajara is one of the main host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These measures come after an epidemiological alert was issued by the Pan American Health Organization earlier this week. According to the Mexican government, Jalisco is a focal point for the measles outbreak, with 1,163 confirmed cases and 2,092 suspected cases recorded this year. Scientists link the rise in measles cases across the Western Hemisphere to declining vaccination rates. Health authorities in Jalisco have announced that mask-wearing in schools in seven specific districts of Guadalajara will be mandatory for 30 days. The measles outbreak occurs as Mexico prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Guadalajara is one of the main host cities for the FIFA World Cup matches in Mexico.
