Portugal reports 3 more confirmed measles cases in the North Region
In a follow-up on the measles situation in Portugal, The General Director of Health in Portugal, Rita Sá Machado announced three new cases of measles were confirmed in the North Region between January 29-31.
The cases were one male and two females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The new cases are clinically well and not currently infectious.
The cases were laboratory confirmed by the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA).
Since January 11, 2024, six cases of measles have been confirmed: two in the Region of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo and four in the North Region.
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) says the investigation is ongoing, which includes collecting epidemiological information on cases, investigating their origin, identifying close contacts in the community and applying appropriate control measures.
DGS reinforces the importance of vaccination in accordance with the National Vaccination Program, recommending:
▪ Check your vaccination record and, if necessary, get vaccinated. The measles vaccine
is part of the National Vaccination Program, and is recommended:
Persons under 18 years of age:
A. 1-4 years – first dose (recommended at 12 months of age);
B. 5-17 years old – second dose (recommended at 5 years of age);
People aged 18 or over:
Those born in or after 1970, not vaccinated against measles and with no history
of the disease - 1 dose (except healthcare professionals - 2 doses).