Scarlet Fever Symptoms: Rash, Fever, and More

An epidemiological alert has been issued following cases of measles in the municipality of Santiago Atitlán, Sololá.Measles is a highly contagious, yet preventable, disease through vaccination.

the disease is a highly contagious viral illness transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes,according to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS).

Health maintains monitoring of measles following five cases of contagion in religious activity

The illness can be very serious in young children and unvaccinated individuals. The Pan American Health Association (PAHO) explains that severe cases are frequent in malnourished children due to weakened immune systems.

The purpose of epidemiological alerts, according to PAHO, a United Nations (UN) organization, is to inform about public health events with potential implications for specific territories, as well as updates, to determine how the situation is progressing or what has been previously reported.

They also note that most events covered in epidemiological alerts relate to infectious agents.

As of Saturday,January 10th,the Ministry of Health has not confirmed any further cases of measles in the area.

SYMPTOMS

Fever, rash or skin spots, cough, runny nose, and red eyes (conjunctivitis) are some of the main symptoms highlighted by the Ministry of Health.

The rash typically appears between the third and fifth day after the onset of other symptoms, starting on the face and spreading throughout the body.

The Pan American Health Organization warns of health problems that can result from measles, including:

• Severe diarrhea
• ear infections
• blindness
• Pneumonia

Some of these complications could lead to death, the international organization states.

Following the confirmation of five cases in Sololá, with a point of transmission in a religious activity, monitoring is being maintained in health centers, as confirmed by hospitals such as the General Hospital San Juan de Dios, which adhere to the Epidemiological Alert issued by the ministry.

Dr. Ericka Gaitán, an epidemiologist responsible for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases, confirmed that the Americas region has experienced active outbreaks for the past year, specifically citing data from Canada, and adding that all cases in Guatemala are imported.

To avoid measles contagion,it is very importent to be attentive to prevention and ensure you have the necessary doses of the vaccine that protects you. hear’s a little more about the schedule and availability. If you have any questions, you can write to ALMA! pic.twitter.com/Xd8ilmrr8q

– ALMA responde (@alma_responde) January 10, 2026