Measles spreads in Brazil after cases come from Venezuela

Brazil’s Health Ministry said Monday that more than 460 cases of measles have been confirmed this year in two border states. Authorities are increasing vaccinations in Roraima and Amazonas states.
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SAO PAULO — An outbreak of measles is growing in Brazil after cases were imported from neighbouring Venezuela.

Brazil’s Health Ministry said Monday that more than 460 cases of measles have been confirmed this year in two border states. Authorities are increasing vaccinations in Roraima and Amazonas states.

The World Health Organization declared the Americas measles-free in 2016, but outbreaks can still occur when cases are imported. More than 2,000 cases have been reported in Venezuela since an outbreak began there last year. The health system in oil-rich country was once a model for the region, but a deepening economic and political crisis has led to the collapse of health services.

Hardships in general in Venezuela have sent more than 1 million people fleeing to neighbouring countries, sometimes bringing disease with them.