Measles Alarm Hits World Cup Host City Ahead of 2026 Tournament
6 February 2026
Public Health Measures
In the Mexican state of Jalisco, health authorities ordered masks in schools after a measles outbreak hit the state capital, a key host city for World Cup 2026.
Mexico will host World Cup matches next summer alongside the United States and Canada.
The Week notes these measures follow an epidemiological alert from PAHO earlier this week due to the outbreak.
Outbreak Details and School Closures
Jalisco is the hotspot, reporting 1,163 confirmed cases and 2,092 suspected cases so far this year, according to the Mexican government.
The outbreak began last year in northern Chihuahua after an infected child visited relatives in Texas, a region that had also seen disease spread.
Health authorities in Jalisco say masks will be mandatory in Guadalajara schools in seven designated neighborhoods for 30 days.
Earlier this week, classes were suspended in 15 schools in Jalisco and central Aguascalientes due to the airborne virus.
World Cup Preparations and Health Status
The outbreak comes as Mexico prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the World Cup.
Canada had lost its measles-free status last November, and the United States and Mexico risk losing theirs.
Meanwhile, the virus seems to defend like a goalie, but not toward the players. Stay tuned for the score: masks on.
On the bright side, if you're looking for a souvenir, remember: the only thing spreading should be fan excitement, not measles.
