Measles cases rise: INSN extends vaccination campaign in Lima until Sunday

He National Institute of Children’s Health (INSN) will expand its vaccination schedule to include Sundays to tackle the worrying infection measlesa viral disease that primarily affects children under 5 years of age.

In an effort to increase immunization rates against this highly contagious disease, the vaccination center in… INSN is committed to offering additional services to complete the vaccination schedule not only against measles, but also against rubella, mumps, pneumonia, polio and COVID-19.

The figure underscores the “urgency to complete the immunization schedule,” particularly among children, to reverse the alarming child mortality rates recorded before widespread vaccine distribution.

Call “Keep up to date with your vaccines” is committed, starting this weekend and every Sunday in March, to promoting the importance of adhering to the vaccination schedule set by the Ministry of Health. The initiative puts Particular attention to vaccination against diseases which pose a significant risk to children under 5 years of age.

World Health Organization (WHO) notes that measles is a leading cause of death among young children worldwide, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. According to Lisetta Echevarria Luján, a nurse at the INSN International Vaccination Center, “measles symptoms range from fever and cough to a maculopapular rash,” highlighting the vulnerability of children under 5 years of age to the disease.

During the exhibition “Measles Alert in Peru 2024”conducted by the Office of Specialized Research and Education (OEAIDE), the importance of measles education and training for health personnel was emphasized and parents were encouraged to vaccinate their children according to the official vaccination schedule.

Thanks to these measures, INSN encourages the public to take advantage of the extension of vaccination days, including Sunday, with a special focus on measles, rubella and mumps prevention, to protect the most vulnerable members of our society: children up to 5 years.

Metropolitan of Lima is in alarm state after confirmation two cases cases of measles in the district of Santiago de Surco, one of them in a 10-month-old child, the other in a 21-year-old young man, as reported Ministry of Health (Minsa). The latter was infected while traveling abroad, highlighting not only the ease of infection, but also the importance of epidemiological surveillance within and across national borders.

Minsa is currently conducting an investigation. 34 more potential cases cases of measles, most of which are also believed to originate from the same area of ​​Lima. This situation highlights the need to take immediate measures to contain the spread of the virus, they say “very contagious” health authorities. “An infected person can infect up to 18 other people,” explained Health Undersecretary Ricardo Peña, pointing to the ease with which an outbreak could occur.