By ensuring that the measles outbreak is already in the process of containment and “in a clear decline”, the Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich reported that in Chihuahuawhere the highest number of contagious“there are days where we have no cases; we have four active cases in a week.”
The Ministry of Health (Ssa) reported that, Since the first outbreak recorded in February, 5,231 cases of measles have accumulated in the countryof which only 64 remain active and are distributed in six entities: Chihuahua, State of Mexico Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán and Oaxaca.
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Meanwhile, 23 deaths associated with the outbreak have been recorded since its beginning.
In this regard, the Ssa stated that the decrease in infections is the result of intensive epidemiological surveillance actions, the intentional search for cases, contact tracing and the application of vaccine fences in the areas
affected.
He explained that as part of the comprehensive response, National Vaccination Days have been held and vaccination brigades have been deployed throughout the country, expanding coverage to people up to 49 years of age, with priority on agricultural laborers and rural communities.
“To date, 9 million 761 thousand 372 doses of triple viral and SR vaccine have been applied, which has allowed us to expand the protection of the susceptible population and strengthen the control of the outbreak. In addition, Rapid Response Teams were sent to the affected areas, home visits are carried out and permanent sessions of the State Vaccination Councils are held.”
Within the framework of strengthening immunization, this year the National Vaccination Week was held, from April 26 to May 3, and the National Public Health Week, from September 6 to 13, as well as the installation of the Mega Vaccination Center in CU in coordination with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the
National Public Health System, reinforcing the application of biologicals throughout the country.
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In that way, The Secretary of Health trusted that this outbreak will no longer exist next year, in view of the celebration of the Soccer World Cup..
“We are also advancing in other situations that may have a health risk, so that by the time of the World Cup, all those who visit will have the assurance that their health will be taken care of and that all the necessary health measures will be in place to avoid problems during that period,” explained Secretary Kershenobich.