Belize confirms measles outbreak; Urges public to get vaccinated
Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed a measles outbreak in the country, with two lab-confirmed cases and five additional clinically diagnosed cases linked to one of the initial patients.
The ministry has intensified surveillance in the Spanish Lookout area, where suspected cases are under investigation.
The full scope of the outbreak is not yet known, and the ministry is urging individuals not vaccinated to avoid traveling to Spanish Lookout.
To protect public health, MOHW is encouraging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated, with children receiving two doses at 12 and 18 months, unvaccinated individuals over 18 months getting two doses a month apart, and booster doses recommended for those who only received one dose.
Travelers 12 months and older should be vaccinated at least two weeks before travel, and unvaccinated children under one year should consult a healthcare provider.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, but not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with severe allergies to previous doses, or those with immunocompromised conditions.
