Epidemiological surveillance by measles in Guatemala is reinforced in people entering from the United States, according to health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report until March 6 222 cases.
The affected states are Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington. LMost of the infected people did not receive the disease vaccineaccording to US health authorities.
The infections are associated with three outbreaks. The most serious began in western Texas, where the first death for measles already occurred and more than 156 cases have been confirmed.
The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) informs that Guatemala enters, on average, 21 daily flights from different parts of the United States. The Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) reports that between January 1 and March 6, 6 thousand 116 migrants returned from that country, 53.5% came from Texas.
The Minister of Health, Joaquín Barnoya, mentioned this week that the country maintains epidemiological surveillance and measles vaccination.
He indicated that there is a monitoring system at the La Aurora International Airport (AILA), in order to detect measles symptoms and apply the vaccine if necessary, and that attention is paid to returned migrants. He added that in Guatemala no infections have been detected.
Alert
Since March 2024, the health authorities issued an epidemiological alert in the country to prevent this viral disease, characterized by its high contagiosity and propagation through droplets expelled by the nose, mouth and pharynx of infected people.
The health registration indicates that In Guatemala, no native cases have been detected since 1997 and that in 2018 an imported case was recorded, which was contained.
The Minister of Health said: “More than concern for the alert, there is a constant surveillance to avoid the spread of these diseases. It is important to emphasize that this is not a national, but regional problem. We remain in contact both internally and with international organizations, including PAHO ”.
The Ministry of Health reported that, before the measles outbreak registered in the United States, epidemiological surveillance actions are reinforced to protect the Guatemalan population. These measures are coordinated with the La Aurora International Airport and with the corresponding immigration authorities.
In addition, he indicated that Returned migrants They represent a group of greatest risk of infection, when coming from the United States, where an outbreak of the disease has been reported, especially in Texas. He also noted that a clinic is maintained at the airport to serve passengers who present symptoms.
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Vaccination
CDC reported that in the United States 95% of infected people were not vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. In addition, they indicated that The infections have occurred mainly in people under 29 years.
In Guatemala, vaccination coverage has been low. Health records show that, since 2017, immunization against this disease has not reached 95%, the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Due to this low level, the health authorities implemented last year a massive vaccination campaign to apply an additional dose to more than 1.3 million children under five years. The vaccine was available in health services, in mobile days, in mini -concentrations already through brigades that crossed the houses offering the injection.
In the country, the SPR vaccine, which protects against measles, paper and rubella is applied. Two doses are administered. According to health, the current coverage of The first dose is 90.1%, while the second one is 78.3%.
The authorities reported that there is vaccine availability to continue with childhood immunization.
In the region
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) records 268 confirmed measles cases in the Americas this year, until February 21. He 69% was detected in children under five years. The affected countries are the United States, Mexico, Canada and Argentina.
This represents an increase of 433% compared to the 60 cases reported in the same period of 2024.
This week, PAHO made an urgent call to countries to intensify vaccination efforts, strengthen epidemiological surveillance and improve response ability to contain and control disease outbreaks.
Alert by Raraina Tos
The country is also on epidemiological alert by Raso Tos since February 14, due to the cases detected. Between January 1 and March 1, 2025, 14 suspicious cases were identified, of which seven were confirmed.
This disease is also preventable with vaccination. The vaccines that protect against the Raine cough are the pentavalent, TDAP and DPT. The coverage of the first ranges around 85%.
The Ministry of Health warns that there may be a resurgence of any vaccine preventable disease, even those that are no longer reported in the country. Therefore, the population urges to stay alert.