No cases of measles in Jamaica

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said it has taken note of the advice of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), which recommends that member states continue their efforts to sustain the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome in the region of the Americas and the Caribbean.

“To this end, it is crucial to strengthen surveillance and rapid response to these diseases, as well as to achieve vaccination coverage above 95 per cent with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Jamaica has had no local spread of measles since 1991, with the last imported case of measles reported in 2011,” the health ministry said.

PAHO/WHO informed that the risk of outbreaks has increased, given the increase in measles cases worldwide, coupled with factors such as:

• Low coverage of the first and second doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR1 and MMR2) in most countries and territories in the region.

• Gaps in the performance of integrated measles/rubella surveillance indicators.

• The significant increase in the movement of people within the Americas region and from other regions of the world.

• The increase in dengue cases in the region, which could mask potential measles or rubella cases, due to the similarity of the clinical manifestations of these diseases.

While there are currently no local or imported cases of measles in the country, Jamaica maintains a robust surveillance system for fever and rash and all cases are reported within 24 hours, while suspected measles cases are reported immediately.

HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, CD, noted that “most cases of measles are mild, and symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure to an infected person but may appear as early as seven days and as late as 21 days after exposure. Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.”

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out, usually as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.

The CMO further cautioned that, “complications from measles include ear infection and diarrhea, while severe complications include pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death. Infected pregnant women may give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby”.

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult.

To stop the disease from spreading, if there is an outbreak, 95 per cent of children in Jamaica need to be fully vaccinated with the two doses – MMR1 at 12 months and MMR2 at 18 months.

Jamaica’s vaccination coverage for MMR has been relatively high over the years, with preliminary figures for 2024 at 94 per cent for MMR1 at 93 per cent for MMR2.The target of at least 95 per cent has not been met.

“The ministry reminds all parents/guardians to ensure their children’s/wards’ MMR vaccination status is up to date for their age to ensure the best protection against measles,” the health ministry said.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to monitor the island for imported cases of measles and members of the public may call 888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683) or visit the nearest parish health department for more information.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MEASLES

• Highly contagious: Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, spreading through coughs, sneezes, and even lingering in the air for hours.

• Vaccination is key: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is 97 per cent effective after two doses.

• Deadly but preventable: Before widespread vaccination, measles caused 2.6 million deaths annually.

• Still a global threat: Despite vaccine progress, measles remains a major issue, especially in regions with low immunisation rates.

• WHO/PAHO warning: The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of increasing measles outbreaks due to declining vaccine coverage.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert in November 2024 due to measles cases in the Americas, emphasising the need for heightened surveillance and vaccination efforts.

• Herd immunity: At least 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

• Children at risk: Most deaths occur in children under five years old, often due to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.

• Vitamin A deficiency: Lack of Vitamin A increases measles severity, leading to blindness in some cases.

• Travel spreads the virus: Unvaccinated travelers contribute to measles resurgence in various countries.

• 2023-2024 outbreaks: Several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and parts of Africa and Asia, have seen recent spikes in cases.

• No local cases: Jamaica has not experienced local transmission of measles since 1991. The last imported case was reported in 2011.

• Local vaccination coverage: Jamaica’s vaccination coverage for MMR has been relatively high over the years, with preliminary figures for 2024 at 94 per cent for MMR1 at 93 per cent for MMR2. However, this is below the 95 per cent coverage recommended to prevent outbreaks.

PREVENTION AND TIPS

• Get vaccinated: Ensure you and your children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine.

• Check travel advisories: If traveling, check for measles outbreaks and ensure immunisation.

• Stay informed: Keep abreast of health advisories from Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness and PAHO regarding measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

• Boost immune system: Adequate Vitamin A intake can reduce severity.

• Isolate when infected: If diagnosed, avoid contact with others for at least four days after the rash appears.

• Watch for symptoms: Early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash starting on the face and spreading.

• Seek medical help: Measles can be severe. If you or someone in your household exhibits symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

• Support global vaccination: Encourage immunisation programmes, especially in developing countries, to prevent outbreaks.

• Practice hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.