An International Traveler Imports a Case of the Measles into Panama says MINSA

The Ministry of Health (MINSA) confirmed on Friday an imported case of measles in an international traveler who recently entered the country through the border between Costa Rica and Panama, via the province of Bocas del Toro. The confirmation follows studies conducted by the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (ICGES).  The case involves a foreign national who visited Mexico and several Central American countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

He presented with symptoms consistent with measles, including fever, rash, cough, and nasal discharge. The patient received medical attention at a private hospital where a sample was taken for testing; he remains under clinical follow-up and epidemiological surveillance.  Additionally, a second international traveler with symptoms consistent with measles remains under epidemiological investigation.  From the initial notification, the Rapid Response Teams of the Bocas del Toro and Metropolitan health regions immediately activated epidemiological control actions, including:

• Research and follow-up of contacts.
• Verification of vaccination schedules.
• Vaccine blockade in exposed individuals.
• Epidemiological surveillance in identified sites.
• Inter-institutional coordination for prevention and control.
• As part of the preventive measures, vaccination was carried out on people identified as contacts.

There is No Community Transmission

The Ministry of Health clarifies that this event corresponds to an imported case and that, to date, there is no evidence of community transmission of measles in Panama.  The Ministry of Health reiterates to the public the importance of keeping the national vaccination schedule up to date, especially for children, adolescents, and people with a history of international travel.

Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever.
• Rash or spots on the skin.
• Cough.
• Nasal congestion.
• Red eyes.
• General malaise.

Anyone experiencing compatible symptoms and a recent history of travel or contact with international travelers should immediately go to the nearest health center and avoid contact with other people.  The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates on the evolution of the epidemiological situation and maintains active surveillance and response measures throughout the national territory, recommending that the population stay informed through our official channels.