The Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa) announced on Thursday that, following recent measles cases reported in Costa Rica, it has reinforced epidemiological surveillance in all regions of the country to prevent the introduction and spread of this disease on national territory. The General Director of Public Health of Minsa, Yelkys Gill, highlighted the importance of strengthening education and guidance for the population about what measles is, its symptoms, and which groups may be most affected, emphasizing prevention through vaccination. Gill reiterated that people planning to travel to countries where measles cases are reported and who do not have the vaccine should go to health facilities to get it in a timely manner. She also noted that the measles vaccine is part of the National Vaccination Scheme, so it is available free of charge in the country's health facilities. People planning to travel to countries where measles cases are reported and who do not have the vaccine should go to health facilities to get it in a timely manner. Panama has not reported measles cases since November 1995, a achievement made possible thanks to the epidemiological surveillance system maintained by the institution through its Epidemiology Department, as well as high vaccination coverage in the population. However, the health authorities reiterated the call to the population to keep their vaccination schedule up to date and to seek health services promptly as part of the prevention measures to avoid the reintroduction of this disease in the country. In the first weeks of 2026, the virus maintains an upward trend in the region. Active outbreaks are reported in Mexico, Canada, the United States, and Bolivia. Likewise, Guatemala is concentrating a new regional outbreak, while other countries have activated prevention and vaccination measures.
