Guatemala Measles Toll Rises to 24, Cases Exceed 25,700

Guatemala is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, which has resulted in 24 fatalities and surpassed 25,700 total cases, according to the Ministry of Health's epidemiological update as of June 30. The latest confirmed deaths were two women, aged 14 and 26, both from the Izabal department. Of the total cases, 7,260 have been confirmed by laboratory tests, with an additional 2,813 cases identified through epidemiological links and 15,672 meeting clinical criteria without lab confirmation. Epidemiologist Erika Gaitán reported that 82% of affected individuals are recovering. The virus has spread across most of the country, with 90% of the 340 municipalities reporting at least one case. However, the outbreak remains concentrated in the Guatemala department, with sustained transmission also noted in Quiché, Quetzaltenango, Chimaltenango, and Izabal. The 15 to 39 age group continues to be the most affected demographic, prompting authorities to focus vaccination strategies on this population. An intensive immunization campaign is underway in the 17 municipalities of the Guatemala department, offering an additional "dose zero" for infants aged 6 months to under one year, regular vaccination for those under 16 or with incomplete schedules, and vaccinations for individuals aged 16 to 39. In other regions, health officials are implementing "blockade vaccination," immunizing individuals up to age 49 who have had contact with confirmed cases or were in their proximity, aiming to curb the virus's spread. Authorities urge the public to complete vaccination schedules and seek immediate medical attention if measles symptoms appear, particularly in affected municipalities.

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82% of the people affected are already in the process of recovery.