Colombia's Atlántico Department Issues Measles Alert for World Cup Travelers

As millions prepare to travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, health officials in Colombia's Atlántico department are sounding the alarm over rising measles cases in these host nations. The concern is the potential reintroduction of the highly contagious disease into the region, especially given the significant increase in travelers expected for the tournament.

Authorities have launched a special prevention plan at the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, a major hub for Caribbean travelers. The primary recommendation for those planning international trips is to ensure their vaccination status is up-to-date, ideally receiving the measles vaccine at least 10 to 15 days before departure to ensure full immunity.

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We will begin mass vaccinations for people working at the counters, cleaning staff, taxi drivers, security guards, and all those who have direct or indirect contact with passengers. That way, we will avoid infections in people traveling to cities like Mexico, Canada, or the United States, where there is a high number of measles cases and deaths associated with this disease.

Luis Carlos Fajardo Jordán, the Atlántico Health Secretary, emphasized the importance of protecting both travelers and the airport's workforce. "We will begin mass vaccinations for people working at the counters, cleaning staff, taxi drivers, security guards, and all those who have direct or indirect contact with passengers," he stated. This proactive approach aims to prevent infections among individuals traveling to countries experiencing high measles incidence.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported over 20,000 measles cases and 25 deaths across the Americas between January and May of this year. Colombia's Ministry of Health has also confirmed seven imported cases of the D8 genotype, contracted abroad. Officials stress that there is still time to get vaccinated before the Colombian national team's debut in the World Cup, urging the public to act swiftly to safeguard themselves and the community.

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We must get vaccinated at least ten days before leaving the country so that the immunization is effective and we are truly protected.