Dr. Francisco Durán García, national director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, issued a warning this Wednesday about the importance of vaccination on the island in light of the recent measles outbreak in the United States, where more than 200 cases have been reported in various regions of the country.
"There is indeed an increase in the number of measles cases in the United States. It started in Texas, but has spread to other states," explained Durán during his regular appearance on the Cuban Television Information System.
The specialist emphasized that this rise in infections has raised concerns among health experts, particularly because vaccination rates in children have declined in the North American nation.
One of the aspects that has caused the most alarm is the death of a child due to measles, something that, according to the Cuban epidemiologist, "should not happen because this is a disease that can be prevented through vaccination."
Unlike the situation in the United States, Cuba has managed to keep measles eradicated since 1993 thanks to its national immunization program, Durán emphasized.
He also recalled that the country administers the triple viral vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella, and mumps, given to children at one year of age and again at six years.
"We remain in that condition. I take this opportunity, as always, to insist that mothers pay attention to the age of one year and ensure their vaccinations," urged the specialist, highlighting that the monitoring by family doctors and nurses is key to guaranteeing vaccination coverage.
The Cuban vaccination program has been recognized for its effectiveness, achieving coverage rates exceeding 95%, a figure that contrasts with the decline in vaccination rates in the United States, where misinformation and distrust in vaccines have contributed to the resurgence of preventable diseases.
Durán emphasized the importance of not neglecting the childhood immunization program on the island, as "it is a disease that, with vaccination, should not cause outbreaks or deaths."
A student from Miami Palmetto Senior High School, located in Pinecrest, Florida, tested positive for measles, as confirmed by officials from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools this Tuesday.
The case has raised concerns among parents and school staff. The director of the school, Victoria Dobbs, sent a voice message to families informing them about the infection and recommending that parents notify the school if their children show any symptoms.
Furthermore, the school district assured that it is collaborating with the Florida Department of Health to contain any potential spread.
The spread of measles in the United States has reached alarming levels, with nearly 200 cases reported in nine states, most of them in individuals who did not receive the vaccine or whose vaccination status is uncertain, health authorities in the country reported.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have received reports of measles cases in the states of Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas, the agency EFE reported.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccination and the Measles Outbreak in Cuba and the U.S.
Why is vaccination against measles crucial in Cuba?
Vaccination is essential to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles. Cuba has kept measles eradicated since 1993 thanks to its national immunization program, which ensures coverage of over 95%. This effort contrasts with the decline in vaccination rates in the United States, where a recent outbreak has raised concerns due to misinformation and distrust in vaccines.
What is the current status of the measles outbreak in the United States?
The measles outbreak in the United States has reached alarming levels, with reports of over 200 cases in various regions. The outbreak began in Texas and has spread to other states. Health authorities have identified that most cases occur in unvaccinated individuals or those with uncertain vaccination status.
How is the measles vaccination program implemented in Cuba?
The Cuban vaccination program includes the administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella, and mumps. This vaccine is given to children at one year of age and again at six years. The program has been recognized for its effectiveness, keeping measles eradicated since 1993.
What role do family physicians and nurses play in vaccination in Cuba?
Family doctors and nurses are key in the vaccination program in Cuba, as their oversight ensures effective vaccination coverage. They are responsible for monitoring and encouraging families to vaccinate children at the appropriate ages, thus guaranteeing the prevention of outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Filed under:
