On Saturday, the Metropolitan Area Health Service confirmed an imported case of measles in a 42-year-old patient who had traveled to Armenia last month.
In this regard, considering the possible risk of re-introduction of the virus in Chile, the health authorities started an epidemiological investigation with the aim of finding out the whereabouts of close contacts of infected persons in order to carry out vaccinations.
It must be added that “people who were born in the country between 1971 and 1981, received two doses of the vaccine or did not have the disease are at risk”, mentions Seremi de Salud.
Measles is caused by a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family and is usually spread through direct contact and through the air, according to the World Health Organization.
In Chile, however, the disease was contained in 1993. Notably, most cases were imported. “Importantly, it’s airborne, which means it’s spread through droplets of saliva when you cough or sneeze, and it can also spread through contact such as kissing or using commonly used utensils. “Unit of the Autonomous University of Kara Rubilal.
Likewise, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says that if it affects children, it can cause serious health problems “including severe diarrhea, ear infections, blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).”
Most importantly, measles is the fifth disease to be eliminated from the Americas, following smallpox (1971), polio (1994), rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (2015), the Pan American Health Organization declares.
what symptoms
- cough.
- high fever.
- Rome Disso.
- Conjunctivitis.
- There are white spots on the inside of the cheeks.
How to prevent infection?
To prevent the disease, vaccinations, personal hygiene and avoiding close contact, covering coughs or sneezes are top priorities.
However, Rodrigo Duran, former health ministry adviser and undersecretary for public health, said it was important to disinfect surfaces and, in the latter case, preventive isolation.