Since measles is a highly contagious disease, 90 to 95% of the population must be vaccinated against it, however, coverage has been below 80% for several years, a situation that makes health vulnerable because, if confirmed cases appear, this will present a real danger for the expansion of an outbreak. A single sick person can infect 18 more.
It is important to notify suspected cases by health professionals, pediatricians, in the presence of fever and rash plus a respiratory condition, at this time when there are also cases of arbovirosis. This year, regarding the epidemiological week SE 1 to 7, 393 cases of febrile eruptive illness have been reported.
When to think about measles and make the notification?
When fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash occur.
Through the notification of suspected cases, the corresponding actions are used to confirm or rule out the disease. Likewise, the necessary interventions are carried out to avoid the expansion of the case.
For this reason, at a press conference, Dr. Héctor Castro, director of the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), reminded parents and guardians of the importance of keeping the vaccination booklet for boys and girls updated, as well as complying with the consultations pediatric.
For her part, Dr. Ana Campuzano, president of the Paraguayan Pediatric Society, emphasized that this serious disease is completely preventable with vaccination, “the effectiveness of the vaccine is greater than 90%,” she stressed.
Edgar Ríos, deputy defender of the Ministry of Public Defense, expressed the commitment and accompaniment of the institution in the immunization of children, since fathers, mothers, representatives, guardians or those in charge of custody of minors must comply with this responsibility and obligation, established in article 6 of Law No. 4621/2015 “National Vaccines”.
It is a child’s right to be protected against diseases preventable by vaccination and, in turn, it is an obligation of parents or guardians and of the State to guarantee their right to health.
Finally, Alcira Sosa, vice minister of the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), highlighted that, starting Monday, February 20, educational institutions will be requesting the vaccination booklet for schoolchildren to identify those who do not have the complete regular immunization schedule.
This weekly press conference was accompanied by Dr. Guillermo Seguera, General Director of Health Surveillance, and Dr. Rafael Obregón, representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Vaccinate your children to protect them
The new vaccination scheme for the triple viral vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is carried out as follows:
• The boy or girl should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age and the second dose at 18 months. This modification applies to those born in August 2021.
• Children 18 months or older with a history of vaccination, administer two doses with a minimum interval of 1 month between doses.
• Likewise, parents of children 18 months and older pending receiving the second dose should bring them to the vaccination center in order to complete their scheme.
Vaccines are safe and save lives!
