Health Ministry Urges Vaccination as Measles Nears Border

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging the public to check their vaccination status after neighbouring Guatemala confirmed 12 measles cases, including in departments bordering Belize.

Dr. Natalia Beer, Maternal and Child Health Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said Belize was officially alerted on January 9 through the International Health Regulations system.

“So far they have identified 12 cases. Two of the departments reporting positive cases, Izabal and Petén, are right next to Belize,” she explained.

Dr. Beer warned that measles is among the most contagious viral diseases and that vaccination is the only effective protection. Belize’s coverage remains below the 95% threshold needed for strong community protection.

The Ministry provides the MMR vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age, while older children and adults receive the MR vaccine. Travellers are also encouraged to ensure they are vaccinated. “If you don’t recall if you were vaccinated or have no document to prove it, just get the vaccine,” she advised.

She explained that measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. “I could attend a meeting for 15 minutes, walk out, and someone can enter the room within two hours and get infected if they are not vaccinated,” she said.

Early warning signs include fever followed by a rash, but the virus can spread up to four days before the rash appears. Measles can also cause serious long‑term complications, including rare but fatal brain conditions years after infection.

“There was a case in the UK where a young woman died at 18 years old from complications linked to measles she contracted as a child, something that could have been prevented with a vaccine costing less than a dollar,” Beer said.

Belize experienced outbreaks last year, with cases detected between March and May. While there are currently no confirmed new outbreaks, the Ministry says vigilance is critical as gaps in immunisation leave the country vulnerable.