- The OPS warned about an increase in cases of measles in the region, with 14,000 suspicious reports and 376 confirmed.
- EE. UU., Canada y Argentina Most cases are concentrated in 2024.
- Low vaccination contributed to the resurgence; PAHO urges to intensify immunization and surveillance.
The essential: the Pan American Health Organization issued an epidemiological alert due to the increase in cases of measles in the Americas. As of October 5, 2024, more than 14,000 suspected cases and 376 confirmed cases were reported in eight countries, led by EE. UU. (267), Canada (82) y Argentina (11). PAHO highlighted that 57% of confirmed cases were not vaccinated. Strengthening vaccination coverage is essential to avoid outbreaks in a region previously free of endemic measles since 2016.
Symptoms of measles include fever and skin rashes, such as those observed in this medical consultation (SLP Health Secretariat)
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued, in the last few hours, an epidemiological alert after an increase in cases of measles in the Americas. As they warned, as of October 5, more than 14,000 suspected cases have been reported in the region, with 376 confirmations in eight countries. USA tops the list with 267 cases, followed by Canada with 82 and Argentina with 11. Likewise, they indicated that this situation is worrying, since the region that was declared free of endemic measles in 2016.
He measles It is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children and can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and even be fatal. In 2024, the majority of confirmed cases belong to minors aged 1 to 9 years and young adults aged 20 to 29 years. According to PAHO, 57% of the cases were not vaccinated and in 28% the vaccination status was not known. That is why the entity urges countries to reinforce vaccination and surveillance. In Argentina, the outbreak of measles includes 11 cases in Black Riversome linked to trips to Bolivia and relatives of those affected.
The truth is that this disease is one of the main causes of death in young children worldwide, although there is a effective and safe vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) informs that, until October 15, 2024more than 502,000 suspected cases were notified in 182 Member States of its six regions. Of these, more than 283.000 were confirmed, which represents the 56% of the total.
Measles can spread quickly in unvaccinated communities, especially affecting the youngest
In the alert, which was released in the last few hours, “PAHO reports that, in 2024 and until October 5, more than 14,000 suspected cases of measles have been registered, with 376 confirmations in eight countries in the Americas, mainly in United States (267 cases), Canada (82) and Argentina (11). Most of these cases are imported or related to importation. The region of the Americas was certified free of rubella in 2015 and free of endemic measles in 2016.
This increase in imported and import-related cases highlights the need for a coordinated approach to disease control, especially in a context of high mobility and international contact. Therefore, the health entity warned of the urgency of intensifying the prevention campaigns. vaccination and strengthen the epidemiological surveillance to prevent new outbreaks and contain the spread of the virus, as the region was certified free of endemic measles in 2016.
According to PAHO, “the most affected age group includes children from 1 to 9 years old and young adults from 20 to 29 years old. 57% of confirmed cases were unvaccinated and 28% had unknown vaccination status, highlighting the urgent need to address gaps in vaccination coverage.”
Measles causes a characteristic skin rash that mainly affects children.
In any case, “although an increase in cases has been observed since mid-February of this year, the general trend shows a decrease in the subsequent weeks starting at the end of March; However, cases have continued to be confirmed in the following months.”
They even highlighted that “during the year, PAHO warned in January and June about the decrease in vaccination coverage against measles, rubella and parotitis (known as MMR or triple viral). In 2023, regional coverage for the first dose of the MMR vaccine was 87% and 76% for the second dose, below the ideal threshold of 95% recommended to avoid outbreaks.”
The truth is that the decline in vaccination coverage opened a gap in immunity of the population and facilitated the spread of the virus, especially in communities with limited access to health services. This situation is worrying because measles, although preventable, can cause significant outbreaks if community protection is not sufficient.
Measles can cause a persistent cough, one of the common symptoms of the disease (credit Mayo Clinic)
To address this crisis, the OPS has urged countries in the region to close immunization gaps and implement complementary vaccination strategiessuch as immunization campaigns aimed at specific groups and active case finding. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of community education and communication to encourage acceptance of vaccines and dispel doubts. The goal is to not only increase coverage, but also ensure that communities understand the importance of vaccination as the most effective tool to protect against measles and other preventable diseases.
In 2024, the resurgence of measles cases in the region of the Americas has focused mainly on USA, Canada y Argentinacountries that together represent the majority of the 376 cases confirmed as of October 5. USA leads with 267 cases, while Canada recorded 82 and Argentina 11. This distribution reflects a worrying pattern of imported and import-related cases, a challenge for a region that had achieved eradication of endemic measles in 2016.
Recommendations for travelers include getting vaccinated against measles before visiting areas with active outbreaks (Cuartoscuro)
In Argentinathe situation of measles during 2024 has been the subject of attention, especially after the appearance of an outbreak in the province of Río Negro. This outbreak was detected on October 4, when the province’s rapid response team began an epidemiological investigation due to the appearance of suspicious cases. The investigation confirmed 11 cases, of which three had a history of recent travel to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Boliviaand the other eight were family members with no travel history. The authorities identified the genotype B3 in these cases, which had been previously detected in Oregon, USA.
The truth is that since the beginning of the year, according to the Argentine Epidemiological Bulletin, a total of 14 cases of measles. In addition to the outbreak in Río Negro, other significant cases were recorded throughout the year. For example, in January, a case was confirmed in a 19-month-old child with no history of vaccination in Saltaand in February, two cases in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires: a 6-year-old boy and his 13-month-old brother, both without prior vaccination.
The truth is that measles is known for its high contagiousnesssince it can be easily transmitted from person to person through the respiratory route. The disease spreads rapidly, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage, and data from 2024 confirms this: the most affected age groups were children from 1 to 9 years old and young adults from 20 to 29 years old.
The red rash that covers the body is one of the most visible symptoms of measles (Gettyimages)
He measles It is an extremely contagious viral disease that is transmitted through the air through respiratory droplets and mainly affects children, although it can also impact young people and adults. Its capacity to spread is high: in communities without adequate immunization, a single infected person can infect more than 90% of the unvaccinated individuals around them..
The complications of measles They can be serious and potentially fatal. Among the most common are the pneumoniawhich is an important cause of infant mortality associated with measles, and the encephalitisan inflammation of the brain that can cause seizures and permanent neurological damage. Other complications include severe diarrheaear infections and, in some cases, blindness.
Home care is essential to relieve measles symptoms, such as fever and malaise (Getty Images)
Given the resurgence of measles in the Americasthe Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a series of recommendations to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the population. First, countries are urged to strengthen their epidemiological surveillance for early detection of cases, especially imported ones. Rapid identification and response to suspected cases is crucial to containing potential outbreaks and preventing their spread to other communities.
In Argentinavaccination is the recommended prevention measure to contain the measles, Therefore, it is urged that all people from 12 months of age must have their complete vaccination schedule in accordance with the guidelines of the National Vaccination Calendar.
Children from 12 months to 4 years must receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, while those over 5 years of age, adolescents and adults must have at least two doses administered after the first year of life or present a positive serology for measles and rubella. People born before 1965 are considered immune and do not need to be vaccinated.
To reinforce these measures, the Ministry of Health of Argentina has urged the health equipment to implement active case finding strategies and carry out complementary vaccination activities in communities with low immunization coverage. In addition to recommending travelers get vaccinated before visiting areas with documented measles outbreaks.
Measles Outbreaks: A Comedy of Errors
If you thought the only thing spreading faster than a TikTok dance was the latest gossip, think again! The World Health Organization’s alarming warning about the measles resurgence is like a notification on your phone that you wish you could ignore. But it turns out, we can’t just swipe left on this one. With over 14,000 suspicious reports and a mere 376 confirmed cases of measles across the Americas, it feels like the inconvenient truth of a bad rom-com—no one called for a sequel!
Where’s The Party?
So, where’s all the measles magic happening, you ask? Apparently, in the good ol’ USA, Canada, and Argentina. Let me paint you a picture—imagine a party hosted by the measles virus, and the guest list is just those three countries! In 2024, the USA is rocking the measles scene with a whopping 267 cases, followed by Canada with 82 and oh, Argentina sneaking in with just 11 cases. Talk about an exclusive soirée!
Vaccination: The Bouncer We All Need
Now, let’s get real: the party’s crashing and guess what’s to blame? Our old friend, low vaccination rates. It’s as if people are refusing to let the bouncer in—who, of course, is >the vaccine<. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) is sounding the alarm, urging a serious boost in immunization and surveillance. You might think, “Hey, what’s the big deal?” Well, let’s just say that measles isn’t just a mild inconvenience; it can lead to severe complications, and nobody wants to wind up in the hospital after a bad party decision.
When Did We Sign Up For This?
Remember when the Americas was declared free of endemic measles in 2016? Well, it seems someone didn’t get the memo! Fast-forward to October 2024, and here we are, with countless kids and young adults getting caught in the crossfire. Over 57% of confirmed cases were unvaccinated. Now, that’s just plain risky! And if your vaccination status is unknown, it’s like arriving at a party wearing the wrong outfit: awkward and potentially dangerous!
The Symptoms: The Party Favors You Don’t Want
And let’s talk about those pesky symptoms—fever, skin rashes, and in some cases, even a side of pneumonia! You don’t want these party favors, folks! Those luckless youth aged 1-9 and the young adults aged 20-29 are the headliners in this tragic comedy. Because if there’s anyone who shouldn’t be asked to perform, it’s the flu-ridden masses!
Planning for the Future: Reinventing the Measles Party
As we peer cautiously into the future, PAHO suggests that it’s time for a serious revamp: closing immunization gaps and implementing speedy vaccination strategies. Think of it as upgrading your old phone to the latest model to prevent embarrassing drops during a business call. We need all the help we can get, especially in communities with limited access to health services. Lions and tigers and bears—oh my! Are we really going to let measles get to that?
Travelers Beware!
For all you globetrotters out there: planning a trip to areas with active measles outbreaks? You might want to resurrect that old planner and read up on your vaccinations. There’s nothing trendy about measles, so pack your MMR vaccine like you would your favorite book—don’t leave home without it!
The Final Curtain
Your takeaway? If we want to keep the measles virus from taking center stage, we need to put in the work. Promoting awareness, rigorous vaccination schedules, and constant surveillance is vital. Sure, it’s easy to wave the flag and say, “Not my problem!” but remember: a healthy community is a happy community. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s beat this uninvited guest together!
Ring the wrong outfit—awkward and potentially disastrous.
The Drama Unfolds in Río Negro
Meanwhile, down in Argentina, the party has taken a turn for the dramatic, especially with an outbreak popping up in the province of Río Negro. The health authorities are on high alert, pinpointing 11 cases tied to travel. You know it’s serious when the epidemiological investigators come knocking! With connections back to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia and even a genetic link back to the USA, it’s like tracing a viral family tree that no one wanted to attend.
Kids, Adults, and the Measles Nightclub
The victims of this flamboyant viral resurgence? Mostly kids aged 1 to 9 and young adults aged 20 to 29. It’s almost like the measles virus is hosting its own version of a nightclub, making it difficult to stay immune amid low vaccination coverage. Despite the fact that measles is extremely contagious, it’s hard to fathom how a small group of low immunity hosts can fuel a viral spree.
Time to Call in the Reinforcements!
Now, if every comic needs a superhero, the vaccination campaign is ours! In response to this unwelcome party crasher, PAHO has called for countries to step up their game—strengthening epidemiological surveillance, increasing vaccination coverage, and educating communities about the importance of vaccines. After all, nobody wants to face the fallout of missing doses. So, what’s the game plan? Make sure everyone gets their shots before they find themselves at the wrong kind of party—one with measles as the uninvited guest!
Conclusion: Let’s Not Let This Be a Tragicomedy
As the curtain rises on this very real health crisis, let’s all do our part to halt the spread. Vaccination is the ultimate party favor, ensuring that you leave without a nasty surprise in your bag. Let’s make sure 2024 isn’t the sequel nobody wanted but somehow got—because it turns out that measles and its high contagiousness are as serious as they sound, and we can’t let this viral chaos continue.
