/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/BIKYOZROLBCC7E3QASKJHERIDQ.jpg "In case of measles detected in Ibarra, MSP activates vaccination for children aged 6 months to 11 years in that city | Ecuador | News")
After learning of a case of measles in Ibarra, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) activated vaccination campaigns against that disease in that city. The measure affects children between 6 months and 11 years.
As of this Monday, November 21, according to the health portfolio, this action has been transferred to educational establishments in the city, after the identification of the case.
An eight-month-old baby with measles was identified on Friday 18 November. The patient is in home isolation and has no complications in his state of health, indicated the MSP.
The epidemiological fence was carried out on more than 150 contacts, with whom two suspected cases were detected which were negative after the analyzes.
In addition, 330 homes surrounding the patient’s home were visited to comply with the vaccination campaign.
Francisco Pérez, National Undersecretary of Surveillance of the MSP, stressed that Ecuador is a country that has certification for the elimination of measles. This implies maintaining vigilance and reinforcing the regular vaccination schedule.
“Thanks to surveillance processes we can determine whether or not there are suspicious cases, take samples and send them to the National Institute for Public Health Research (INSPI) for immediate analysis,” the official said.
He also indicated that a booster will be applied to children who have the full schedule or the vaccine will be entered to complete said schedule.
The Ministry of Health launches an alert on the risk of importing measles cases
“Depending on the evolution, the shares can be raised to two or three more positions. Vaccines are safe. It is the best invention since drinking water and has saved millions of lives,” Pérez explained.
The MSP has urged parents, especially from Ibarra, to visit health centers to comply with the regular vaccination schedule and thus prevent the spread of the virus. (I)
