BELMOPAN (CMC):
Belizean health authorities said yesterday that the country had recorded 19 cases of measles so far this year with the last four cases being recorded in October.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said that the last four cases were detected in the Cayo District, located in the west part of Belize, and it contains the capital, Belmopan.
It said all cases have recovered to date and that contact tracing, ring vaccination, and community outreach are ongoing.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness said it is reminding the public that measles is a highly contagious, serious viral illness with possible long-term complications. Symptoms usually start between seven and 21 days after contact with an infected person.
The illness begins with high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts at the hairline, spreads down to the chest, back, and limbs, and then to the rest of the body.
The ministry said that measles is preventable through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, which “is safe and highly effective, with two doses providing lifetime immunity”.
The minstry said it was urging all unvaccinated persons to visit the nearest health facility to get vaccinated.
