A wave of measles infections in the state of Chiapas has put Tabasco on alert, given their shared extensive border and close trade and labor ties, just 48 hours before the Christmas holidays. Yesterday, December 20, the Chiapas Health Department issued an urgent appeal to the 124 municipalities of the neighboring state for the immediate suspension of mass gatherings.
This unprecedented measure aims to curb the outbreak of the dreaded disease, which has now reached 201 cases, 64 of which are confirmed.
The emergency declaration was issued following a critical increase in cases, with 45 new infections confirmed in the last 24 hours alone. This surge is attributed to the high concentration of people in the area and the fact that Chiapas is a state that receives a large number of migrants and visitors. According to the health department, infections are affecting the metropolitan and central areas of the state, primarily the municipalities of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapa de Corzo, Berriozábal, Ocozocoautla, Suchiapa, and San Fernando.
Comitán and Simojovel are also affected, areas with close ties to Tabasco, as thousands of Chiapas residents, mostly women, travel from there to work in homes and businesses.
According to the Secretary of Health of the neighboring state, Omar Gómez Cruz, in official communication CIRC. IS/DSP/ APS/01783/2025, he warned that Chiapas is in a high-risk situation due to intense human mobility and the winter season, factors that facilitate the spread of the virus.
The virus is circulating rapidly in Chiapas, very close to Tabasco, and the figures have triggered health alerts. The official restriction in the neighboring state went into effect on December 21, 2025, and will remain in place until March 20, 2026.
This situation could extend to Tabasco, as the municipalities of Huimanguillo, Cárdenas, Cunduacán, Centro, Teapa, Tacotalpa, Macuspana, Emiliano Zapata, Jonuta, and Tenosique—10 in total—border the neighboring state, increasing the risk of contagion.
According to Chiapas authorities, the activities that must be canceled or restricted include posadas and other December festivities; in addition, municipal and commercial fairs, parades, sporting events, and all types of tournaments.
The state of Tabasco confirmed a second positive case of measles, triggering epidemiological alerts. The Ministry of Health is intensifying immediate response protocols and is monitoring 86 more people suspected of having the virus, urging them to take extreme preventive measures.
Health Secretary Alejandro Calderón Alipi emphasized that vaccination is the most effective tool for containing outbreaks. Tabasco has two confirmed cases and two more under investigation, while suspected cases are being monitored. The state ranks 19th nationally in incidence rate.
As part of the health measures, the measles vaccination campaign has reached 89 percent completion, with 84,180 doses administered. A vulnerable population still needs to be vaccinated to reach the officially established goal of 98,000 vaccines.
Calderón Alipi stressed that vaccination not only protects against measles but also integrates into the winter vaccination campaign, including influenza and COVID-19, strengthening the immunity of Tabasco families. The objective is to achieve herd immunity and prevent uncontrolled outbreaks.
The Health Secretariat urged citizens not to let their guard down and to go to vaccination centers as soon as possible, emphasizing that the measles vaccine is free, safe, and essential for preventing serious complications in children.
Source: tabascohoy
