Baja California’s Secretary of Health Adrián Medina Amarillas said the state does not expect a measles rebound during Semana Santa, citing high vaccination coverage and a slowing rate of new infections. The state has recorded 49 cumulative measles cases since the outbreak began in early December 2025, with only one or two new cases reported per week in recent weeks and 10 cases currently active.
Medina Amarillas noted that most Easter travelers in Baja California stay within the state rather than heading to southern Mexico, where exposure risk is higher. The distinction matters because Baja California’s outbreak has been concentrated in specific settings, not spread across public spaces.
Outbreak Centered on Agricultural Workplaces
Health officials said the majority of measles transmission in Baja California has occurred in agricultural workplace settings among migrant workers and their close contacts. Cases have not been linked to tourist areas, hotels, or restaurants. That pattern has held steady since the first cases appeared in December.
The state’s 49 confirmed cases are a fraction of Mexico’s national totals. Federal figures cited in February showed the country’s confirmed cases jumping from 9,850 to 10,439 in just three days between February 16 and 19. Baja California’s numbers have climbed in small increments by comparison.
Children Remain Most at Risk
Children are the most vulnerable group, according to state health authorities. Vaccination campaigns are ongoing throughout Baja California, and officials urged parents to verify their children’s immunization status before the holiday period. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide roughly 97% protection against measles, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The situation on the U.S. side of the border adds context. California is battling measles across seven counties, with the CDC reporting over 2,200 cases nationwide in 2026. Federal funding cuts have strained local health departments on both sides, making cross-border coordination more difficult.
What Travelers Should Know
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. The virus can remain infectious in a room for hours after an infected person leaves. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash.
Anyone traveling to Baja California during Semana Santa who is unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination history should consult a healthcare provider. Adults vaccinated before 1968 may have received a less effective formula and could benefit from a booster or titer test.
The announcement was first reported by The Baja Post.