The status of the Americas, which until a few days ago was the only continent in the world to be a measles-free zone, has been revoked. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced last Monday that the region had lost its certificate due to Canada’s failure to stop sustained transmission of the virus before it reached 12 months of spread. This certificate revocation can be revoked once vaccination, surveillance and rapid response are stepped up.
The outbreak has attracted particular attention in Mexico, where more than 5,000 cases have been reported in 27 states, with high incidence in the northern region where community transmission remains active, particularly in the state of Chihuahua.
Cases in Mexico
According to the daily measles outbreak report in Mexico, as of November 12, the cumulative number of infections was 5,252, of which 11 were reported in the past 24 hours. The most affected states are Chihuahua (4,440 cumulative confirmed cases), Jalisco (186), Michoacan (150), Guerrero (128), and Sonora (102).
But authorities estimate that the cumulative number of infections could reach up to 945 in Jalisco state, and 827 in Mexico City in a similar scenario.
The government reported a total of 23 deaths, 21 of which were in Chihuahua state. On November 10, the state government of Jalisco announced that an 11-month-old infant from Guerrero had died after becoming malnourished and infected with the disease.
symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by: morbillivirusaccording to the World Health Organization (WHO). The following symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus:
- high fever
- cough
- snot
- Red and watery eyes
- Small white spots known as “Koplik spots” then appear on the inside of the cheeks.
Although most patients recover within a few weeks, measles can have serious consequences. PAHO warns that it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, vision loss and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most susceptible people are infants and children, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The virus is transmitted through the air, through droplets expelled when you cough or sneeze, and can easily infect almost anyone who doesn’t have immunity in a confined space.
Who should get vaccinated?
In Mexico, the current immunization schedule includes two doses of the MMR triple virus vaccine (measles, rubella, and mumps) for all children under 10 years of age.
The Ministry of Health is urgently calling for vaccination.
Do I need to get vaccinated against measles?
What year were you born?
He probably contracted measles naturally.
No need to be vaccinated
Did you get measles?
No need to be vaccinated
no or you don’t know
Have they vaccinated you?
No need to be vaccinated
Did you get measles?
You probably don’t need to be vaccinated.
no or you don’t know
Have you received two doses of the MMR vaccine?
No need to be vaccinated
If you were vaccinated as a child, you probably already have a complete schedule.
Check your card or go to the health center
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