A measles outbreak has jumped borders in North America, with cases reported in Canada, Mexico, and the US. El Paso, Texas, is among the areas hardest hit, with 38 cases, followed by Ciudad Juarez with 14 cases.
The outbreak began in Ontario, Canada, but quickly spread to the US and Mexico through highways connecting the border cities of El Paso and Juarez. Dr. Hector Ocaranza, El Paso’s top public health doctor, warned that “diseases know no borders” and that people can bring infected individuals into his city.
The measles outbreak is linked to Mennonite Christian communities who have traced their migration from Canada to Mexico to Seminole, Texas. In Chihuahua state, the genetic strains of measles match those in Canada, indicating the virus was imported and traveled country to country.
North and South American countries are struggling to maintain a 95% measles vaccination rate, leading to outbreaks in six region countries: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the US. The response to each case costs an estimated $30,000 to $50,000, according to Dr. David Sugerman.
Health officials in both El Paso and Ciudad Juarez report that communication between their departments is good, but warn of the risk of infection through travelers. In Michigan, health officials linked a recent outbreak to Ontario, Canada, and expect more cases as they monitor weak spots in vaccination rates.
Measles activity in the Americas region has increased elevenfold from last year, with a high risk level compared to other parts of the world’s moderate risk level. The World Health Organization has reported the disease in six countries: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c