Jalisco ranks second in measles cases; what are the symptoms?

Jalisco is the state in Mexico with the second highest number of measles cases. According to the latest report from the Ministry of Health, 115 cases have been detected in the state, behind Chihuahua, which has more than 4,000.

Yesterday, Héctor Raúl Pérez, state health secretary, indicated that there are 17 more probable cases of this disease, so the number could increase.

Although Jalisco ranks second nationwide in measles cases, the health authority emphasized that the percentage of positive tests has decreased from 65% to 50% in recent days.

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The secretary noted that measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, so he called for vaccination.

What are the symptoms of measles?

According to the Mayo Clinic, measles is a viral infection that primarily affects children. It is transmitted through droplets that an infected person generates when coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Measles was once quite common, but after the vaccine was implemented, the disease declined dramatically. People who are unvaccinated or have an incomplete vaccination schedule are more likely to contract the virus. In Jalisco, the most affected groups are children between 5 and 9 years of age, although cases have also been detected in adults up to 50 years of age.

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Measles causes a red, blotchy rash that usually appears first on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the chest, back, and eventually the feet.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Hacking cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Watery, red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• White spots inside the cheeks

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

If you experience any symptoms consistent with measles, it's important to contact your doctor before going directly to a doctor's office or health center to prevent the spread of the virus.

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