Brote de enfermedad inmunoprevenible: el regreso del sarampión

Abstract

Measles is a severe and highly transmissible viral

disease, since it develops in more than 90 % of sus- ceptible contacts. It can cause complications such as

pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in the

most vulnerable populations. The disease is transmit- ted through respiratory dropsthat are removed during

coughing, by speaking, or through small aerosolized drops. The fetus whose mother has immunity against

measles due to previous disease or vaccination, re- ceives antibodies by the transplacental route, which

protect it during the first 6 to 12 months of life. Pre- mature newborns are more vulnerable to infections

and respiratory complications. The only treatment is symptomatic and for bacterial complications. Argentina achieved the status of a measles-free country, but from 2018 to mid-2019, an outbreak of the disease took place, probably due to deficits in immunization coverage. It is considered that the most efficient way to stop this outbreak is to vaccinate the entire susceptible population.