Health authorities in St Kitts and Nevis are concerned about the persistent influx of measles cases imported into the Caribbean.
The Caribbean was the first subregion globally to achieve measles elimination in 1991.
Recent measles cases in the Caribbean
On May 10, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) reported two laboratory-confirmed measles cases, despite having a national vaccination coverage rate of 95 per cent. This rate is similar to that of St Kitts and Nevis.
Despite the 1991 elimination of measles in the region, some islands have experienced imported cases between 1991 and 2019, and this trend is expected to continue.
Global measles outbreaks and local risks
Currently, prolonged measles outbreaks are occurring in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other health regions globally.
St Kitts and Nevis, like other member states, face an increasing risk of virus importation from countries where measles continues to circulate.
The re-emergence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is attributed to disruptions in routine vaccination programs post-COVID-19 pandemic and other factors like vaccine hesitancy.
High connectivity and potential spread
The twin island Federation benefits from daily flights to and from the United States and weekly flights to and from London.
This connectivity means an unsuspected traveler can import the virus to the islands, causing the disease to spread among unvaccinated locals.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is spread by airborne droplets or direct contact with secretions from infected individuals.
The incubation period is approximately 10 to 12 days, with symptoms including high fever, generalized rash, stuffy nose, and reddened eyes.
Symptoms and complications of measles
The characteristic rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading, consisting of raised, non-itchy spots that evolve into blotchy patches.
Kolpik spots, peculiar spots located on the mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, are diagnostic of measles.
Infected persons are infectious from four days before the rash appears and remain infectious for about four days post-rash onset.
Measles can cause serious complications, including severe diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis, and even death, particularly in children with nutritional problems and those who are immunocompromised.
Proactive measures by the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is proactively augmenting its expanded program on immunization by scaling up its vaccine outreach initiatives.
The aim is to reach all unvaccinated children to increase the vaccination coverage rate. Frontline workers are also targeted to check their measles vaccination status.
The goal is for high-risk individuals to verify their immunization status and accept the measles vaccine if needed.
Authorities have strengthened the surveillance system and capacity to promptly detect and treat suspected measles cases.
The MOH also has the ability to track potential contacts.
