This used to be a common childhood illness, and while most children recovered without problems, many others did not.
A new measles outbreak has been reported in Mexico. Health Ministry (SSA) authorities reported that the first confirmed case of the disease was reported during the fifth epidemiological week (EW) of 2025. As of February 5, 2026, there were 8,459 confirmed cases.
These outbreaks can be worrisome for many families. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) point out that those who have been infected were not vaccinated against the virus, and while it used to be a common childhood illness, most children recovered without problems, but others did not.
To avoid serious symptoms and consequences, additional or early vaccination is highly recommended in areas where the virus continues to spread. An AAP article on protecting children during a measles outbreak notes that health departments may recommend a second dose for children between the ages of 1 and 4 who have already received one dose and live in or plan to travel to an outbreak area.
Not vaccinating children only exposes them to the virus | Cuartoscuro
“An early dose may be recommended for infants 6 to 11 months of age who live in or travel to outbreak areas. Children who have not received the MMR vaccine may need two doses 28 days apart,” reads the article published on healthychildren.org.
Not vaccinating children not only exposes them to the virus, but also other children, including infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who cannot receive vaccinations due to other health conditions.
Specialists at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States indicated that the measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles and that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine are necessary for complete protection.
According to their informational article, most people receive the MMR or MMRV vaccines during childhood; however, they can also receive them in adulthood. They assure that it is unlikely to contract the disease if both doses of the vaccine are received.
It is important to note that if you contract measles, it is best to isolate yourself for four days. It can cause a serious illness, as approximately two out of five people who contract the virus are hospitalized, according to the Cleveland Clinic. After recovering, it is likely that you will contract other infections.
This is because measles destroys immune system cells that remember past infections to which the body had developed immunity, a condition known as “immune amnesia.” People can also develop life-threatening complications months or years after contracting measles, especially if they have a weakened immune system.
Source: heraldodemexico
