The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has activated epidemiological surveillance nationwide after confirming that measles is actively spreading in neighboring Costa Rica. The authorities' order is to unite to prevent the virus from crossing the border. They are determined to prevent the disease from spreading in the country, where no cases have been reported since November 1995. "The priority is to inform people about the symptoms and to emphasize that vaccination is the only way out," warned Yelkys Gill, Director of Public Health, highlighting the danger of this airborne illness. The danger is real and just around the corner. During the Vaccination Week in the Americas, medical teams will be actively working to detect the virus and maintain the 30-year record of no cases. Epidemiology specialists warned that measles presents with high fever, nasal congestion, body aches, and a red rash on the skin. So far in 2026, the disease is rampant in countries like Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Bolivia, while Guatemala is already dealing with a new outbreak that has everyone on edge. If you are planning to travel to these areas, the instruction is strict: you must be vaccinated at least 15 days before departure to allow your body to build the necessary defenses. The good news is that the vaccine is free at all health centers. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other mass events, the risk of exposure is extremely high due to the influx of foreigners in the region. This is not a common cold.
