Measles in São Paulo: 16 Cases Confirmed

How many measles cases has São Paulo confirmed?

São Paulo state has confirmed 16 measles cases in 2026, with 13 patients in the city of São Paulo, two in São Bernardo do Campo, and one in Guarulhos. Seven patients are male and nine are female. Ten of the 16 are infants under one year old; the remaining cases involve adults aged 20 to 50.

Why are health authorities concerned about vaccination rates?

The state health secretariat reports that coverage for the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) stands at just 77.5% for the first dose and 65.5% for the second. Brazil's Ministry of Health sets a 95% target for each dose — any coverage below that threshold significantly increases the risk of disease spread.

What is the National Multi-Vaccination Campaign?

The 2026 National Multi-Vaccination Campaign launched on Monday, 3 August, and runs until 1 September. In the three affected municipalities — São Paulo, Guarulhos and São Bernardo do Campo — the campaign extends coverage to everyone aged 6 months to 59 years to boost measles immunity. The full list of vaccines on offer includes BCG, Hepatitis B, pentavalent, inactivated polio, rotavirus, pneumococcal 10-valent, meningococcal C, meningococcal ACWY, influenza, Covid-19, yellow fever, MMR, varicella, DTP, Hepatitis A, and HPV. All vaccines are available free of charge through Brazil's public health system (SUS).

What are the symptoms and how can you protect yourself?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through the air and respiratory droplets. Key symptoms include:

• Red rash starting on the face and behind the ears, spreading to the body
• High fever above 38.5 °C
• Dry cough
• Conjunctivitis (eye irritation)
• Severe malaise

Vaccination is the most effective prevention method. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, visit the nearest health unit during the campaign.