Measles cases in Belize on the rise: 44 cases reported in 2025, 8 new cases reported in 2026 with additional suspected cases under review
By Jose Luis Cruz: Recently Belize has confirmed eight new cases of measles and there are additional suspected cases under review. This has prompted the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) to strengthen surveillance and response measures across the country. The Ministry says the new infections add to the approximately forty-four measles cases recorded in […] The post Measles cases in Belize on the rise: 44 cases reported in 2025, 8 new cases reported in 2026 with additional suspected cases under review appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Jose Luis Cruz: Recently Belize has confirmed eight new cases of measles and there are additional suspected cases under review. This has prompted the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) to strengthen surveillance and response measures across the country. The Ministry says the new infections add to the approximately forty-four measles cases recorded in 2025, raising serious concerns that the transmission is linked to international travel by unvaccinated individuals.
In a public advisory issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said “unvaccinated members of the public who live in or have travelled recently to border communities are at an increased risk of getting measles”.
According to the Ministry, measles “is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads rapidly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with an infected person.” The disease, the Ministry said “is a serious illness, especially in children under the age of 5”.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness confirm that Belize maintains relatively strong vaccination coverage but there is growing concern amongst ‘anti-vaccine activists’ that vaccinations are not necessary and as a result measles cases have been rising in the United States and other parts of Central America, including Belize. Medical personal advise that unvaccinated persons remain particularly vulnerable because of how quickly the disease spreads.
In its’ public advisory, The Ministry advises that “persons who believe they may have been exposed to measles should contact the nearest health center or call the MoHW hotline at 0-800-MOH-CARE (0-800-664-2273) for guidance”. In addition “anyone experiencing fever and rash symptoms should seek medical attention promptly”.
The post Measles cases in Belize on the rise: 44 cases reported in 2025, 8 new cases reported in 2026 with additional suspected cases under review appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
