For measles outbreaks on the continent, the Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert to maintain surveillance and control of any suspicious case in the country, as el Virus import risk increases with migration and international trips To countries where infections have been detected.
Health recommends those who travel to countries where measles is endemic or there are outbreaks of the disease to vaccinate against the virus. Six or more infants who cannot show a vaccination or immunity test should receive a dose of the SPR vaccine – continues measles, rubella and paperas— At least two weeks before traveling.
The authorities have reported that in health services there is an availability of the vaccine.
It should be remembered that receiving a vaccine is a voluntary actas established by the Vaccination Law, approved in October 2024.
Until February 21, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) had registered 268 Confirmed cases in the Americas and a death. 69% of infections have been detected in children under five years. The affected countries are the United States, Mexico, Canada and Argentina.
In the circular dated March 13 and sent to the directors and epidemiologists of the departmental directions of integrated health and hospitals, it is instructed to carry out control measures, such as the vaccination of the vulnerable population.
Guatemala He has not reported any endemic measles case since 1997. In January 2008, an imported case was detected in a teenager, but it was controlled and there were no secondary contagios.
In May 2024, the Ministry of Health issued a measles alert due to the passage of a migrant through Guatemala, who days later was diagnosed with the virus.
The Americas have reported until now 174 measles cases, the triple of those reported in 2024 in the same period.
Measles is a very contagious disease, without treatment, but preventable by vaccination.
Act now to protect your future. #Vacked yourself pic.twitter.com/mv18fjvaak
– PAHO/WHO (@opSoms) March 7, 2025
Surveillance
On the epidemiological alert measles/rubelola due to increase in cases in countries in the region of the Americas, published on March 13, it is described as a suspicious case to patients who PThey resort fever and skin rashes or that health personnel consider that they have measles or rubella.
Cases should be notified, and patients should undergo urine and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal urine tests. The samples must be kept in the cold chain until they send to the National Health Laboratory for analysis.
The health portfolio recommends that children receive the two doses of the SPR vaccine. Adults and health personnel should also complete the vaccination scheme.
Immunization must extend to migrant shelters and intensify in communities with high flow and migratory routeswhere messages must also be disseminated to prevent contagion.
Dangerous disease
Measles is a highly contagious disease and can cause a serious picture in children and older adults. According to PAHO, it is transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus remains in the environment, where it can remain active up to two hours on the surfaces of any object.
The virus can cause pneumonia, permanent brain damage, deafness, blindness, premature delivery and low weight, as well as death. Therefore, it is essential to get vaccinated against the disease.
According to the centers for the control and prevention of diseases in the United States, symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Rhinitis or conjunctivitis
- White spots inside the mouth
- Eruptions on the skin, which begin in the head and face, and extend to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.