The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of Ecuador announced on April 10 that it is maintaining active monitoring and prevention protocols nationwide after an epidemiological alert was issued by the Ministry of Health of Peru. The Peruvian authorities confirmed local transmission of measles in the Puno region, identifying 15 cases up to epidemiological week 13. In total, Peru has reported 17 confirmed cases so far this year.
This development comes amid a critical trend in the Americas. In 2025, there were over 14,800 confirmed measles cases across the region. During the first weeks of 2026, more than 1,000 cases have already been reported in countries including Bolivia, Canada, United States, Mexico, Chile, Guatemala and Uruguay.
As of now, Ecuador has not registered any confirmed measles cases—neither domestic nor imported—but health officials say there is a constant risk due to high levels of migration and travel between countries. The MSP said it is closely coordinating with Peruvian authorities and regional organizations to monitor developments and ensure public health safety.
Measles is described as highly contagious and can lead to serious complications such as blindness, pneumonia or encephalitis. Vaccination remains the only effective protection against infection; during early 2026 alone Ecuador administered more than 205,000 doses against measles across different population groups.
The ministry urges residents to follow vaccination guidelines: infants aged six to eleven months should receive a special ‘zero dose’ vaccine in provinces with high migration; international travelers are advised to get vaccinated at least fifteen days before traveling to countries with active transmission; children from one to six years old should complete their regular two-dose schedule; those aged seven to twenty-six without prior vaccination should receive a single dose; adults twenty-seven or older who lack evidence of immunization are recommended two doses six months apart—with particular emphasis on healthcare workers and people at higher risk.
Ecuador has remained free from indigenous measles since 1997—a status now threatened by rising regional outbreaks. The government reaffirmed its commitment to prevention efforts and called on citizens for shared responsibility in keeping the virus out.
