translated from Spanish: New prevention measures for a measles outbreak: six cases in the last month

Concerns are growing in Argentina over a new measles bottle, following the detection of six cases that were reported in the last month, with a total of 18 cases in the year. In the face of this concern from the country’s health agencies, prevention measures were lifted to prevent their expansion. As detailed from the Ministry of Health of the Nation, two of the cases were detected in the province of Bonaerense, while four others in areas of the City of Buenos Aires. Of these, two were adults and the four minors do not reach the age of four. Now, all children between 13 months and 4 years old and older must have at least two doses of triple viral vaccine.
The measure that was taken in consensus with the Ministries of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires and Capital Federal, after the confirmation of the new six cases, and after the Epidemiological Update issued on September 13, has to do with the finding of relationship between some of these cases and the previous ones. Endemic circulation of measles was extinct in 2000 and to date there have been 49 imported or import-related cases. In this new century, there were three worrying outbreaks. One in 2010, where 17 cases were discovered, and another in 2018 with three outbreaks. Fundación Guest also expressed itself and in a statement issued the alert to Argentina and details that “the re-emergence worldwide (cases have grown by 300% this year) and the epidemiological situation in Brazil (especially in San Pablo), where it is confirmed more than 4500 cases and 4 dead, generating a very significant increase in risk in Argentina.”
“Immediate action for effective control of the ongoing outbreak is key. The general population should have vaccinations up to date according to age and, in the presence of rash (skin stains) and fever (more than 38o), consult immediately regardless of age and travel background,” recommends Guest.Lastly, it keeps alert in all levels to prevent an expansion of the disease from lack of treatment or knowledge. “It is essential to take dimension of the potential danger of the situation and react immediately, coordinatedly and robustly to keep Argentina free of measles.”

Original source in Spanish