PAHO TV

Strengthening Clinical Management and Prevention and Control of Infection against measles

Introduction The Region of the Americas faces a significant resurgence of measles. By Epidemiological Week 20 of 2026, 20,521 confirmed cases and 25 deaths have been reported, which represents a fourfold increase compared to the same period of 2025. In this context, massive concentrations of people and cross-border movements can promote transmission, especially in populations with suboptimal vaccination coverage. Strengthening the active search for cases, the early identification and timely treatment of severe cases, the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and the proper management of complications are essential to disrupt transmission, reduce mortality and prevent long-term sequelae. Objective Strengthen capacities for clinical management and infection prevention and control in countries with ongoing measles outbreaks and strengthen the preparation of countries without active outbreaks. Target audience Public health authorities, clinicians, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, infection prevention and control professionals, epidemiologists, emergency response teams and other health professionals involved in the preparation and response to measles. Agenda Theme Panelists 9:00 a.m. (EDT) Welcome words Daniel Salas, Executive Manager, Special Comprehensive Immunization Program, PAHO 9:10 a.m. (EDT) A measles: Update on the regional situation and key aspects for the response to outbreaks Álvaro Whittembury and Gloria Rey, Regional Advisors, Special Comprehensive Immunization Program, PAHO 9:25 a.m. (EDT) Seasles: Evidence for action (clinical management and infection prevention and control) Marina Salvadori, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Public Health Agency of Canada 9:45 a.m. (EDT) Clinical management of severe measles patients: practical experience Rafael Mello Galliez, Infectious Diseases and Intensive Care Specialist, State Institute of Infectious Diseases São Sebastião, Brazil; Professor UFRJ; Deputy Director NEEDIER-UFRJ 10:10 a.m. (EDT) Prevention and control of infection in measles outbreaks Roxana Trejo, Representative of the Latin American Association for Infection Control (ASLACI); Corporate Manager of Clinical Epidemiology, Prevention and Infection Control. ABC Medical Center, Mexico 10:30 a.m. (EDT) Questions and comments All participants Moderators: Pamela Bravo, Milena Corredor, Angel Rodriguez