January 31, 2018
Location: Guatemala City
Event: Guatemala has confirmed a case of measles, the first case in Guatemala since measles was declared eradicated in the Americas in 2016. The case occurred in Zone 11 of Guatemala City. The subject has been isolated, and the Government of Guatemala has made efforts to vaccinate and monitor all those who may have been exposed. There are no other known cases of infection.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected and typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash appears several days after the start of the fever.
Actions to Take:
- Ensure that you and your family members are vaccinated. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
- Consult a medical professional if you have been in contact with an infected person or experience the symptoms described above.
- Visit the CDC’s website on Measles for more information.
For further information for U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Guatemala:
See the Guatemala Country Information page on the State Department’s travel website for Travel Advisories, Alerts, Worldwide Cautions and other country specific information.
If the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala’s website does not contain the information you need, you can send questions about routine matters to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov. The American Citizen’s Services unit will make every effort to respond to inquiries within 48 hours.
To schedule an appointment for U.S. citizen services, please click here.
For emergency services for U.S. citizens, contact the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, located at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala Ciudad, Guatemala, at +502-2326-4000, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Those in need of after-hours emergency services for U.S. citizens in Guatemala can call +502-2331-2354.
For further information about travel advisories or the State Department’s services for U.S. citizens, call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).