MSP recommendations regarding measles cases recorded in Argentina

Montevideo website

The Ministry of Public Health (BPA) issued a statement this Friday with a set of recommendations as a protective measure against cases of measles registered in Argentina. The ministry emphasized vaccination and noted that “the regional and international epidemiological situation is being closely monitored so that the virus is not reintroduced.” “

In the letter, the health authorities highlighted the adequacy of the measles vaccine, which is included in the triple viral vaccine (MMR), which also protects against rubella and mumps.

As described, the vaccination schedule is as follows:

First dose: at 12 months old.

Second dose: from 15 months old.

Vaccinations can be obtained free of charge at any vaccination post throughout the country, regardless of the health provider.

“Everyone over the age of 5 and born after 1967 must have two doses of the vaccine recorded in their Certificate of Immunization Scheme (CEV). For people traveling abroad, it is essential to ensure that those over 15 months have the two recommended doses,” the statement said.

At the same time, the ministry “recommends that babies between 6 and 11 months who travel to areas with active measles circulation receive a dose of the vaccine at least two weeks before the trip, while not have contraindications.”

“This dose, called ‘dose 0’, aims to protect the child from danger, although it is not considered part of the standard schedule, so they should receive the corresponding doses at 12 and 15 months old,” the statement said.

The MSP said that this week in the region of Río Negro in the neighboring country, in the city of Lamarque, 10 people with similar symptoms were found and three cases were confirmed by work analysis. blade “The outbreak appears to be related to unvaccinated travelers returning from abroad,” the statement said.

The government also indicated that the last cases of measles in Uruguay were recorded in 2020 and imported. At the same time, they pointed out that no indigenous cases have been recorded since that time.

“Currently, the country maintains adequate levels of vaccination coverage with 96% for the first dose of the triple viral vaccine (MMR) and 93% for the second dose. However, the Ministry of Public Health continues to closely monitor the regional and international epidemiological situation so that the virus is not brought back,” said the MSP.

Montevideo website