Puerto Vallarta, México – In a concentrated effort to curb the spread of measles across Health Region VIII, the Jalisco Health Secretariat has significantly expanded its vaccination and epidemiological surveillance programs.
Since the beginning of 2026, health officials have confirmed 24 cases of the virus within the region, following a year in which 46 cases were documented. This ongoing trend has prompted state agencies to intensify public health interventions that originally began late last year.
Central to this strategy is the administration of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. As of January 22, 2026, medical teams have distributed 11,722 doses. These efforts have been particularly visible through the establishment of “sanitary cordons” – targeted zones where health workers monitor potential outbreaks and ensure local residents are immunized. Neighborhoods such as La Pedrera and Mojoneras have become focal points for these intensive vaccination days and active surveillance.
The regional response spans several municipalities beyond Puerto Vallarta, including Talpa de Allende, Mascota, San Sebastián del Oeste, Tomatlán, and Cabo Corrientes. To make the vaccine more accessible to the general public, the Health Secretariat has deployed semi-fixed modules at high-traffic commercial and administrative hubs. Residents can now find vaccination stations at locations such as Macroplaza, Costco, and Soriana Pitillal, as well as at government offices like the DRSE, UNIRSE, and the UMA.
Broadening the reach of these preventative measures, health officials have also secured a presence at upcoming large-scale community events. Organizers of the National Charro Championship in Puerto Vallarta have authorized the installation of vaccination posts during the tournament’s peak attendance days. This move ensures that both locals and visitors in crowded environments have immediate access to the vaccine.
State health officials emphasize that these measures are now a permanent fixture of the region’s medical strategy. By combining active neighborhood surveillance with high-visibility public modules, the agency aims to build a robust defense against further transmission. Timely vaccination remains the primary tool for safeguarding the community and preventing the virus from gaining further momentum in the early months of the year.
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