The state of Chihuahua is facing an active measles outbreak. Health authorities have recorded 1,537 infections and three deaths, figures they attribute to the low vaccination rate in certain communities.
How is measles transmitted?
Chihuahua Health Secretary Gilberto Baeza explained that measles is transmitted through the air and that its particles remain in the air longer, which increases the speed of contagion.
“It is transmitted much faster than COVID-19,” he warned.
He also emphasized that a single dose of the vaccine offers 90% protection, while two doses achieve 97% effectiveness, although an additional booster shot is possible.
The official reaffirmed that a preventive approach is the best strategy to address these types of outbreaks. Regarding the need for new doses, he commented that “a booster shot is necessary,” especially in contexts of prolonged exposure or in communities with low coverage.
To contain the spread of the virus, the state government has launched an intensive immunization campaign in the municipalities with the most cases, particularly in Cuauhtémoc, where a significant Mennonite population is concentrated.
The Secretary explained that mass vaccination campaigns will begin this weekend and that they have managed to secure the shipment of 200,000 additional doses from the federal government.
In coordination with federal authorities, Chihuahua also expects to receive another 235,000 vaccines in the next two weeks, the Secretary of Health stated.
“We have been working closely with the federal government to ensure their support with the vaccine issue,” Baeza Mendoza explained, noting that joint working groups have been held to ensure the necessary supplies during the contingency.
Chihuahua is among the states with the highest number of infections in the country. According to the Ministry of Health, this is due to multiple factors, the main one being the arrival of the virus from the United States to Mennonite communities.
“It’s an imported virus,” the secretary stated, adding that the cultural context plays a role, as between 50% and 60% of this population does not get vaccinated for traditional reasons.
Finally, the official emphasized that vaccination continues to be “the most effective way to combat it.”
Authorities reiterate their call to the entire population to check their vaccination records and go to authorized centers, especially in areas with outbreaks. Timely monitoring and citizen collaboration will be key to controlling this outbreak.
Source: milenio
