Measles and hantavirus: Panama faces two simultaneous health alerts

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) is actively monitoring two significant health threats: the initial imported cases of measles and a cluster of hantavirus infections in the province of Veraguas, which has resulted in one fatality. The ministry is maintaining epidemiological surveillance protocols for both situations.

Regarding measles, Dr. Algis Torres, director of Health for the San Miguelito region and Minsa spokesperson, confirmed that no new cases, either imported or local, have been detected since the alert was issued. Despite this, Minsa continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination. The ministry warns that active circulation of the measles virus in the United States, Canada, and Mexico poses a risk, as travelers could potentially import the disease.

Torres stated that measles vaccines are available nationwide and urged the public to visit any health center for vaccination. He clarified that a complete vaccination schedule requires two doses. Individuals who have received only one dose are encouraged to get the booster, and anyone uncertain about their vaccination history, including those over 60, should get vaccinated regardless of travel plans. "It doesn't matter if the vaccination card is lost. The important thing is to protect yourself," Torres advised. Symptoms to watch for include high fever, rash, cough, and respiratory problems.

Concurrently, Minsa has confirmed three hantavirus cases nationally, all connected to the Veraguas province. A 35-year-old woman from Soná is out of danger, while a 42-year-old man from Ocú, who worked in Mariato, died from the virus. Torres indicated that these latter two cases are directly linked, as both individuals worked together and handled dead rodents without proper biosecurity measures, leading to their infections. The southern coast of Veraguas, encompassing Mariato, Montijo, and Soná, is now considered an endemic zone for hantavirus.

Minsa has issued preventive recommendations, particularly for homes, schools, and food storage areas. These include sealing openings in storage areas, keeping grains in rodent-proof containers, washing grains before consumption if exposed, and avoiding contact with rodents without biosecurity equipment. Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents.