Here It Happens – Rio de Janeiro Has Seven Confirmed Cases Of Measles, Five In The Capital

Seven cases of measles were confirmed in the state of Rio de Janeiro, five in Rio de Janeiro and two in Duque de Caxias, Baixada Fluminense. According to the State Department of Health (SES), all cases are related to the Faculty of Law of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where the first case of the disease was diagnosed

Samples were analyzed by the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a reference laboratory of the Ministry of Health. Since the first suspicion of the circulation of measles, SES has been working in partnership with the municipalities. Earlier this month, the municipal health department reported 18 suspected cases in the capital

. On July 3, the Municipal Secretariat of Health promoted the blockage of vaccination on the campus of the UFRJ Law School and, SES took a series of measures to prevent and analyze cases.

SES indicated that measles protection is one of three available viral and tetraviral vaccines according to the Ministry of Children's Immunization Schedule for children between 12 and 15 months of age. Immunization coverage against the disease for children of one year in the state is 95%. According to the secretariat, children under one year of age and adults under 49 who have not been vaccinated should be vaccinated. People who took both doses of the vaccine do not need to take a new dose, said the agency.

by Agência Brasil