The “measles-free zone” status has been truncated for the Americas, which until a few days ago was the only continent in the world to have it. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced last Monday that the region had lost that certification after Canada failed to stop ongoing transmission of the virus before it reached 12 months of spread. The withdrawal of this certificate could be reversed if vaccination, surveillance and rapid response are strengthened.
In Mexico, the outbreak has become the focus of special attention because more than 5,000 cases have been reported in the country in 27 states, with a higher infection rate in the northern entities – especially in Chihuahua – where community transmission remains active.
Cases in Mexico
As of November 12, according to the Daily Report on Measles Outbreak in Mexico, a cumulative 5,252 cases have been reported, 11 of them in the past 24 hours. The most affected states are Chihuahua (4,440 accumulated confirmed cases), Jalisco (186), Michoacán (150), Guerrero (128), and Sonora (102).
However, authorities estimate that in Jalisco there may be up to a possible backlog of 945 cases, and in Mexico City, a similar scenario with 827 cases.
In total, the government reported 23 deaths, 21 of them in Chihuahua. On November 10, the Jalisco government reported the death of an 11-month-old boy from Guerrero, who was malnourished and fell ill.
symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by A Measles virusaccording to the World Health Organization. After infection with the virus, symptoms usually appear after seven to 14 days and are as follows:
- High temperature
- cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Small white spots appear on the inner side of the cheeks, known as “Koplik spots.”
Although many patients recover within two weeks, measles can have serious consequences. It can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, vision loss and even death, warns the Pan American Health Organization. Those most at risk are infants, children, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus is transmitted through the air, through droplets spread when coughing or sneezing, and in enclosed spaces it can easily spread to almost all unvaccinated people.
Who should be vaccinated?
In Mexico, the current vaccination schedule includes two doses of MMR (measles, rubella, mumps) vaccine for all children under 10 years of age.
The Ministry of Health issued an urgent appeal to vaccinate:
Do you need to be vaccinated against measles?
In what year were you born?
You may have contracted measles naturally.
You do not need to be vaccinated
Have you had measles?
You do not need to be vaccinated
No or you don’t know
Did they vaccinate you?
You do not need to be vaccinated
Have you had measles?
You may not need to be vaccinated.
No or you don’t know
Have you received two doses of the MMR vaccine?
You do not need to be vaccinated
You likely already have your full schedule if you were vaccinated as a child
Check your card or go to your health center
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