Health authorities also promote vaccination prior to travel to countries with recent cases, such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada, especially at mass events, as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of reintroducing the virus into the country. Panama has maintained measles elimination for almost three decades, a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, especially in children and people with vulnerable immune systems. According to Panama's Ministry of Health, upon detecting a suspected case, a home visit is conducted within 24 to 48 hours, the vaccination schedule of contacts is verified, and doses are administered to those without evidence of immunization. In response, the Ministry of Health has strengthened the training of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) staff in risk communication and social media management, to counteract false messages and strengthen public confidence in vaccines. Amid a surge of cases in other world regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended reinforcing prevention. Workshops have been held with journalists from various media outlets to promote coverage based on scientific evidence, aiming for the information disseminated to the public to contribute to measles prevention. The rapid activation of health protocols prevented secondary infections but revealed that the threat of virus re-entry remains. To date, Panama has administered over seven million doses of vaccines containing a measles component. The increase in misinformation following the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with pressure from some anti-vaccine groups and religious sectors, has affected risk perception and adherence to vaccination schedules. Panama has expanded its out-of-campaign vaccination efforts in airports, ports, shopping malls, and transportation terminals. In most regions, coverage ranges between 84% and 97%, while in rural areas, difficulties persist in completing the second dose due to access and logistics limitations. In 2011, four imported cases were confirmed in young people returning from Europe. Samples from patients with compatible symptoms are analyzed at the Gorgas Memorial Institute, the national reference laboratory, which confirms the presence of the virus and activates the necessary epidemiological cordons to contain potential outbreaks.
Panama Strengthens Measles Prevention After Case Detection
Panamanian authorities are strengthening measles prevention after case detection. Vaccination is promoted before travel, especially to the US, Mexico, and Canada. The Ministry of Health is training staff and working with journalists to combat misinformation. Despite high vaccination coverage, challenges persist in rural areas.
