Measles‌ Alert issued for Travelers to U.S.,⁣ Canada amid Outbreaks

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Tamaulipas – Health officials are urging caution for individuals planning travel to the United States and​ Canada, ⁤following a surge in ‌measles cases in both countries. The ‌National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) elevated⁢ its measles prevention alert to a medium level Friday.

SINAVE reports that the U.S. has recorded approximately 800 ⁣measles cases, while ‌Canada​ has​ reported 880. ⁤The ⁤agency emphasized the importance of updated measles vaccinations for⁣ travelers.

U.S. Measles Cases Concentrated in Texas, New Mexico

of the measles cases reported⁤ across 25 U.S. states, Texas, bordering Tamaulipas, ​has ⁣the highest number with 532 cases. New Mexico ‌follows with⁣ 56 cases,Kansas ‌with 32,and Ohio with 21,according to SINAVE data.

Canada Sees Measles Spread Across Six Provinces

In Canada, as of‍ April 17,⁣ 880 measles cases have ‍been identified across six provinces. Ontario is the ​most affected, with 804 cases, followed by​ Quebec with 36,‍ and Alberta with 23,⁢ SINAVE reported.

Vaccination Recommendations ‍for Travelers

Given the⁢ outbreaks, SINAVE ⁤advises travelers to ensure their vaccination schedules are current, including the measles vaccine.

Mexico’s Vaccination​ Program

In Mexico, the triple viral vaccine ‌(SRP) against rubella, ‌measles, and mumps is administered in two⁣ doses: at 12 months ⁣and 18 months.‍ Individuals born before July 2020‍ receive‍ the second dose⁤ at age six. A⁣ rubella-measles vaccine is also given at ten years and older.

Preventative⁢ measures and Symptoms

The‍ federal ⁢agency stressed that individuals ⁢experiencing measles⁣ symptoms should avoid travel and seek medical attention. They‍ should also maintain distance from others, wear face coverings,⁤ and ⁢practice‍ frequent handwashing with‌ soap and water or use antibacterial ‌gel.

Post-Travel Guidance

SINAVE advises that anyone ​who has traveled to the U.S. or Canada and develops measles symptoms within 21 days of their return should seek immediate medical care, informing healthcare⁤ providers of ⁣their travel history, visited locations, and individuals ‍they had close contact with.

No ⁤Specific Treatment, Vaccination is key

The agency emphasized that there is⁣ no specific treatment for measles; medical management⁣ focuses on treating the symptoms. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection.