With the number of confirmed measles cases in Argentina increasing to 14 this year, the importance of vaccination is once again being emphasized. The Paraguayan Ministry of Health has urged its citizens to check their children's vaccination records and adhere to the vaccination schedule.
According to the Argentine Ministry of Health, 14 measles cases have occurred in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area as of March 21. Among them, 8 are residents of the capital, and 6 are residents of the surrounding areas of Buenos Aires.
Dr. Hugo Luis Cushirat, head of the Expanded Program on Immunization (PAI) in Paraguay, warned, "Measles is a highly contagious disease, and there is a risk of it occurring in Paraguay as well." In an interview with C9N, he explained, "Measles can be transmitted from one person to up to 18 people, and virus particles can linger in the air for up to 2 hours and spread up to 4 meters."
Although Paraguay has maintained its measles-free status since 2016, the occurrence of measles in the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina, is a cause for concern. Dr. Cushirat said, "The fact that there have been adult deaths in the United States is very shocking," and added, "There is a risk of measles occurring due to overseas influx."
Measles vaccination is administered twice, at 12 months and 18 months of age. Two doses can provide lifelong immunity and are included in the Paraguayan childhood immunization schedule. Dr. Cushirat emphasized, "Measles vaccination has been administered for over 40 years and is effective in simultaneously generating antibodies against measles and rubella."
Dr. Cushirat pointed out that some adults may not have been vaccinated and could be at risk of infection. He reiterated the importance of vaccination to the public and urged them to adhere to the vaccination schedule.
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