Patient with symptoms since February 13 had traveled to Mexico, a country with an increase in cases.
News Colombia.
The country’s health authorities are monitoring a possible case of measles detected in a 30-year-old man who recently returned from a trip to Mexico. The patient presented symptoms on February 13, which activated the epidemiological surveillance protocols.
The case is analyzed by the National Institute of Health (INS), the entity in charge of monitoring events of interest in public health in Colombia. Although the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, the agency recommended that citizens review and complete their vaccination schedule as a preventive measure.
The alert occurs in a regional context of increasing infections. In Mexico, as well as in the United States and Canada, a significant increase in measles cases has been reported, exceeding 10,000 infections combined. This situation has raised health alarms because the virus can easily spread through unimmunized travelers.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reiterated that the country maintains its measles elimination status, but recalled that imported cases represent a risk if there are gaps in vaccination coverage. Therefore, the main recommendation is to verify that children, adolescents and adults have received both doses of the triple viral vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella and mumps.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through the respiratory route. Its symptoms may include high fever, cough, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and skin rashes. In unvaccinated populations it can cause serious complications, especially in minors or people with weakened immune systems.
The authorities insisted that vaccination is free in the country and is part of the regular schedule of the Expanded Immunization Program. In addition, they recalled that those planning international trips should ensure they have complete immunization before traveling to countries with active circulation of the virus.
