With the aim of avoiding new cases, the national health portfolio recommends that the population verify and complete vaccination schedules and consult the health system in the presence of fever and skin rash. This recommendation arises because eleven cases of measles were confirmed in unvaccinated people in the province of Río Negro.
In this regard, health authorities reported that, in the current outbreak in the city of Lamarque, three of the confirmed cases have a history of recent travel to Colonia Piraí, Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) and the remaining eight are family members.
For its part, the Río Negro Health team responded quickly, doing an outstanding job in investigating and controlling the outbreak. More than 7,000 doses of triple viral vaccine were sent from the Nation, as well as gamma globulin for contacts with risk factors and the countries and jurisdictions involved were notified for follow-up and monitoring.
All people from one year of age must have the complete vaccination schedule against measles and rubella according to the National Vaccination Calendar:
-From 12 months to 4 years: they must prove a dose of triple viral vaccine.
-Over 5 years of age, adolescents and adults must have at least two doses of vaccine with a measles and rubella component applied after one year of age (double or triple viral) or have positive IgG serology for measles and rubella.
-People born before 1965 are considered immune and do not need to be vaccinated.
In our country the disease has been eliminated since 2000, but there is always a high risk of importing cases due to the global epidemiological situation and transit to and from countries with viral circulation. For this reason, it is essential that the entire population is fully vaccinated and maintain high vaccination coverage.
Measles is a highly contagious, respiratory-transmitted, febrile-eruptive viral disease that spreads quickly and easily from person to person. The clinical manifestations are: high fever, red spots on the skin, runny nose, conjunctivitis and cough. It can present complications such as pneumonia, seizures, meningoencephalitis and blindness. It has no specific treatment and is fatal in 1 to 2 cases per 1000 unvaccinated people.
Are You Vaccinated? A Measles Wake-Up Call!
Listen up, folks! It seems like we’ve got a cheeky little outbreak of measles popping up in Río Negro, and it’s come knocking at our door like a wayward tea towel at a fancy dinner party. Eleven cases confirmed, and (surprise, surprise!) most of them are in unvaccinated folks. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Measles? That’s like finding an old Nokia phone at a smartphone convention!” But before you start reminiscing about the good ol’ days, let’s get real.
The Current Situation
So, what’s the scoop? The health authorities have revealed that three of these measly measles millionaires recently went on a “world tour” – and by that, we mean a jaunt into Colonia Piraí, Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. Meanwhile, the other eight were apparently just trying to keep it in the family. Talk about a family affair! At this rate, we could turn family reunions into medical check-ups.
A Response Worthy of a Standing Ovation
Now, let’s take a moment to applaud the unsung heroes of the Río Negro Health team! They’ve responded quicker than a toddler to a cookie jar. Over 7,000 doses of the triple viral vaccine—yes, that’s right, over 7,000—were dispatched faster than you can say “rubella.” Along with gamma globulin for those at risk, they’ve notified everyone involved because who doesn’t love a good health alert, right?
Time for a Vaccination Check-Up!
Here’s the takeaway – everyone from the age of one needs to get with the program. If you’re aged 12 months to 4 years, show proof of one dose of the triple viral vaccine. Over 5 years? You better have at least two doses or a positive IgG serology result for measles and rubella. And if you were born before 1965? Congratulations! You’re probably immune and can sit back and enjoy your cup of tea while the rest of us scurry about trying to make sense of these vaccination requirements.
The Importance of Vaccination
Now, let’s not get too comfortable. Measles was eliminated in our country since 2000, but like that one relative who shows up uninvited to every family gathering, it can always come back. With global travel and all sorts of viral shenanigans abroad, keeping high vaccination coverage isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity! Because let me tell you, no one wants to be the reason measles decides to join the party again. Nobody invites measles, not even as a gag gift.
What You Need to Know About Measles
If you’re thinking, “Oh, come on! It’s just a rash, right?” wrong! Measles is highly contagious, spreads like gossip in a small town, and has all sorts of nasty complications lurking in the shadows, such as pneumonia, seizures, and even blindness. There’s no special treatment waiting for you in the pharmacy; just the cruel reality that it’s fatal in 1 to 2 cases per 1000 unvaccinated individuals. So, you might want to rethink the whole ‘I’m not getting vaccinated’ stance. Spoiler alert: it’s not a good look.
In conclusion, let’s take this outbreak as a wake-up call! If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, don’t be shy! Get yourself checked, get vaccinated, and let’s keep the doors closed on this nasty little viral gatecrasher. Because, when it comes to measles, no one gets a free pass!
And remember – be smart, be safe, and for goodness’ sake, get vaccinated! It’s not just about you; it’s about the whole community. Cheers!
