Promoting measles vaccination amidst declining rates and pandemic challenges

Santo Domingo.– In response to the epidemiological alert for measles, pediatric doctors and infectious disease experts are urging authorities to actively promote and extend the vaccination process to communities and schools.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can be effectively prevented through vaccination. According to Waldo Ariel Suero, President of the Dominican Medical College (CMD), the vaccination rates experienced a significant decline during the pandemic.

Despite the country not recording measles cases for several years, experts emphasize the importance of early action to prevent a potential virus outbreak. They stress the need for public education and widespread vaccination to mitigate the risk of an epidemic.

Measles is an epidemiological disease requiring mandatory notification, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets during coughing, talking, or sneezing. If symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes occur, seeking prompt medical attention at the nearest health center is recommended.

It’s worth noting that in 2023, the Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic issued an epidemiological alert for measles following cases reported in several American countries, although no confirmed contagion occurred locally.