The Minas Gerais State Health Ministry has instructed network units to remain alert for possible measles cases after an imported case was confirmed in August in Belo Horizonte.
In Brazil, the last case was confirmed in 2022. In 2023, there were no records. In the world, until May 2024, 178,768 suspected cases were reported, with 121,413 (68%) confirmed – an increase of 94% compared to 2023.
The Ministry’s guidance for professionals includes recommendations for rapid reporting of suspected cases, immediate isolation of patients and immediate communication with local health authorities.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral disease that is transmitted through nasopharyngeal secretions. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Complications may include otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in rare cases, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the central nervous system.
Vaccination is the most effective measure, according to the Secretariat, with two doses given to individuals aged 1 to 29 and one dose to those aged 30 to 59. Suspected and confirmed cases should avoid places with large gatherings of people for up to four days.
Cases since 2016
In 2016, Brazil was certified as having eliminated measles, and until the following year there were no recorded cases of the disease in the country. In 2018, 9,325 cases were confirmed.
The following year, the country lost its certification, a year in which 20,901 cases of the disease were recorded. In 2020, 8,100 cases were confirmed, in 2021, there were 676 confirmed cases. In 2022, 41 cases were confirmed, and in 2023, none were confirmed.
