Due to lack of vaccination coverage, cases of measles could “break out” in the Americas. For this reason, PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) has issued an alert urging countries in the Americas to update their response plans to prevent a resurgence of transmission of the virus.

According to the PAHO website, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in the region has reached its highest level in 30 years. The Organization estimates that in 2021 alone, more than 1.7 million children in 28 countries and territories in the Americas did not receive their first dose of measles vaccine in their first year of life.

PAHO warns of the danger of disease in the Americas – Photo: Itajaí City Hall/Disclosure

In 2021, regional coverage with the first dose of the measles, rubella and mumps vaccine (known as MMR or MMR) was 85%. Only six countries have achieved optimal coverage of 95% or more to eliminate these diseases, and ten countries have reported less than 80% coverage. This situation indicates a high risk of infection of unvaccinated children in case of contact with the virus.

Brazil

According to the Butantan Institute website, while 90% of the population recognizes the importance of vaccines, according to an August 2020 IBOPE Intelligence survey, three out of ten Brazilian children have not been vaccinated against potentially fatal diseases. The warning issued in April comes from UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). Since 2015, there has been a decline in vaccination coverage for children under 5 years of age.

disease free

The Americas were declared measles-free in 2016. However, as the virus circulates in other parts of the world, countries in the region reported an increase in imported cases between 2017 and 2019, with the most significant outbreaks occurring in Brazil, where endemic circulation continued. – and in Venezuela.

Since then, the number of confirmed cases has decreased, and in 2022 due to social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, six countries in the region have reported imported cases of measles: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Paraguay and the United States.

PAHO also recommends that parents, guardians or caregivers ensure that children receive two doses of the measles, rubella and mumps vaccine to prevent outbreaks and serious complications. Among them is pneumonia, which can lead to death in infants and young children.

What about Santa Catarina?

According to Dive/SC (Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Authority), there are no confirmed or suspected cases of measles in the state. State vaccination coverage for 2022 was 94.02%.