San José de Chiquitos Controls Measles Outbreak, Seeks Re-certification

San José de Chiquitos has successfully contained a measles outbreak, marking a significant public health achievement for the municipality in Bolivia.

Health officials reported 15 confirmed cases from a total of 29 suspected infections. The intervention involved a joint effort by the Ministry of Health, the Chiquitos Health Network, and the Municipal Hospital Bernardino Gil Julio. Brigades conducted extensive contact tracing, and a crucial immunization campaign was deployed, targeting Mennonite colonies known for cultural resistance to vaccination.

The operation was challenging due to measles' high contagiousness. In unvaccinated populations, a single infected child can transmit the virus to an average of 16 to 18 healthy children. Health workers ensured the cold chain for vaccines, maintaining temperatures between +2°C and +8°C to guarantee their effectiveness.

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The recertification is not a reason to lower our guard.

Despite controlling the outbreak, authorities stressed the importance of continued vigilance. They issued a strong appeal to parents to bring their children for free vaccinations against measles, rubella, and mumps (the SRP vaccine), as well as the yellow fever vaccine, available upon reaching one year of age.

The successful containment effort concluded with a commendation for the healthcare personnel and a call for shared family responsibility in public health. Officials emphasized that vaccines in Bolivia are safe, effective, and scientifically backed, deeming it unacceptable for children to remain exposed to preventable diseases when the state guarantees universal access to life-saving immunizations.

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In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that children continue to be exposed to preventable diseases when the State guarantees free and universal access to life-saving doses.