Although in Mexico the measles has become a relatively rare disease, the Ministry of Health and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) issued a statement warning about probable cases of the diseasebut this can be prevented.
From 1970Mexico began vaccination against measlesa highly contagious viral disease which mainly attacks children and people with malnutrition either weakened immune system.
It can be transmitted through droplets of nasal secretions or saliva from an infected person.which remain in the air; the virus present in the air or on surfaces remains active and contagious for two hours.
What vaccine is used in Mexico against measles?
At the moment, The Ministry of Health applies two types of vaccines to prevent measles: the Triple Viral (SRP) and the Double Viral (SR). The first protects against measles, rubella and mumps; the second, against measles and rubella. Both are composed of live attenuated viruses (weakened).
Vaccination in children prevents the spread of measles
The Triple Viral vaccine is applied to children in two doses: the first is done when they turn one year oldand the second to the six years old or upon entering primary school.
In the case of the vaccine Double Viral (SR) applies from 10 yearsif the second or none of the doses of the Triple Viral have not been received. The Double Viral is applied in two dosesseparated with a four week interval.
Measles Vaccine Side Effects
The Triple Viral and Double Viral vaccines are safe, although sometimes they can occur some side effectswhich should disappear in maximum three days:
- Pain or redness in the vaccination area (left arm)
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General malaise, runny nose, headache, cough and/or fever (appears 5 to 12 days after the injection)
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Rash (5 to 12 days after injection)
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Inflammation of the parotid glands (mumps or parotitis), which is generally on one side of the face (should resolve in a maximum of 4 days and only occurs with the Triple Viral vaccine)
Where is the measles vaccine given?
Public health institutions apply the national vaccination scheme free of chargewhich contemplates the Triple Viral and Double Viral. However, the biological against this disease also It is available in private medical servicesalthough in this case it has a cost.