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The last case of indigenous measles infection in Ecuador was reported in 1996.
In July 2011, two cases of importation-related measles were identified by the Ministry of Health. It is thought that measles virus was imported by a traveller from the US.
Measles virus has continued to spread and as of epidemiological week 41, a total of 93 confirmed cases have been registered and further suspected cases are awaiting laboratory confirmation.
The outbreak was first identified in Ambato, Tunguragua province in central Ecuador and is the worst affected area of the outbreak with 88 measles cases. Measles has also been reported in Cotopaxi, Guayas, Los Rios, Pastaza, Pichincha and Quito. Suspected cases have been identified in Guayaquil.
The Ministry of Health has implemented a two phase mass immunisation campaign which begins in late October targeting children under 5 years. The second phase will target children and adolescents under 15 years-of-age.
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.
