São Paulo confirms new cases of measles and maintains active outbreak in the state
State records two new cases of the disease, totaling 32 confirmations; Specific vaccination continues in some regions.
Quick Look
- São Paulo confirmed two new cases of measles, bringing the number of confirmations in the state to 32 amid an active outbreak.
- Capital concentrates the majority of registrations and maintains expanded vaccination in districts in the North Zone.
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Why It Matters
São Paulo is currently the only Brazilian state with confirmed cases of measles, featuring an active outbreak with four transmission chains identified during the year.
The new patients are a 6-month-old girl, with an incomplete vaccination schedule, and a 28-year-old man, who had a history of vaccination against the disease. The cases were reported in August and are related to transmission chains already identified and monitored by health authorities. The samples were processed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz).
The capital concentrates 29 of the 32 confirmations registered in the state. The other cases occurred in São Bernardo do Campo and Guarulhos.
In total, four measles transmission chains were identified in the state this year. The first occurred between March and April and was associated with two imported cases. This chain was considered closed after 12 weeks without new related incidents.
The other three chains, identified in June, July and August, continue to be monitored by the state and municipal epidemiological surveillance teams.
Professionals investigate cases, identify and monitor people who have had contact with patients and assess the need for vaccination and other measures to stop the circulation of the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, São Paulo is currently the only Brazilian state with confirmed cases of measles, a situation that characterizes an active outbreak.
The scenario is classified this way when there are interconnected cases that form a chain of transmission of the virus in one or more regions.
Vaccination against measles in the city of São Paulo resumed, in general, the calendar defined by age group and each person's vaccination status, after the end of the indiscriminate campaign carried out until the end of August.
The application for the entire population aged 6 months to 59 years, however, was maintained in the districts of Vila Maria, Vila Guilherme and Vila Medeiros, in the North Zone, due to the epidemiological scenario in these regions. The zero dose also continues to be available for children aged 6 to 11 months in all UBSs in the capital, but does not replace the regular doses scheduled for 12 and 15 months.
Open Questions
- How will the three active transmission chains evolve?
- Will the vaccination campaign be expanded to other areas?
