Health Alert Issued as Measles Outbreak Hits Guatemala

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has issued a public alert following confirmed measles outbreaks across the Americas, including a recent cluster in neighboring Guatemala.

According to the MOHW, 10 cases have been reported in Guatemala and 1 in El Salvador. Most of the cases are linked to the town of Santiago Atitlán in Guatemala, with additional infections reported in Petén and Izabal. Outbreaks are also ongoing in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, increasing the risk to unvaccinated people, especially those who travel.

Measles is described as “highly contagious” and capable of causing serious “long-term complications.” It spreads through coughing and sneezing, with symptoms appearing 7 to 21 days after exposure. These include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward to the rest of the body. A person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

The ministry says it is closely monitoring the situation and reminds the public that vaccination remains the most effective protection, adding that two doses provide “lifelong immunity.”