Action plan well underway after first two measles cases in 30 years
Spot the signs and proceed cautiously: Measles is highly contagious. Ministry of Health graphic
Bermuda has fallen well below par when it comes to vaccinating children against measles.
In the House of Assembly today, Health Minister Kim Wilson said the uptake among children in Bermuda is less than 40%, which compares to the 95% recommended by the World Health Organization.
Minister Wilson stressed that measles is highly contagious: “The outcomes if measles is contracted can be dangerous, with severe complications, such as blindness, diarrhea and breathing problems from pneumonia which may result in hospitalization. Complications are most common for babies and young children under five years old.”
Vaccines are available to all eligible children and adults at the Hamilton Health Centre and private doctors’ offices.
Two cases of measles have been confirmed on-island and Ms Wilson said that after hospital treatment, the two people affected are now at home.
She added that the Ministry of Health is taking “all necessary precautions” to contain and prevent the further spread of measles.
An action plan is focused on contact tracing, public awareness, boosting vaccinations, working with healthcare providers and bolstering infection control measures.
A targeted immunization strategy will be launched in the new year.
Prior to the two recent cases, the last case of the measles on island was recorded in the 1990s.
