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Because of measles outbreaks in nearby countries including the USA, Mexico, and Belize, the Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking strong action.
So far there are no reported cases in the Bahamas, and to keep it that way they have re-launched a Community Vaccination Outreach Programme to raise public awareness and make sure that no one is left unvaccinated.
At a press conference on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, health officials talked about the country’s current vaccination status.
Attending were Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director of Public Health; Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer; Nurse Gina Ferguson-Rose, National Immunization Coordinator; and Dr. Eldonna Boisson from PAHO/WHO.
The update also marked Vaccination Week in the Americas, running from April 26 to May 3, 2025. The theme is “Your Decision Makes a Difference. Immunization for All.”
According to the CDC, the United States had over 800 measles cases this year, with one death in Texas. Cases were also reported in Florida, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. In 2024, there were only 248 cases for the whole year. Canada saw 227 cases in the first two months of 2025, compared to 146 for all of 2024. Belize also reported two cases recently.
Dr. Darville said the conference was held to warn parents about the dangers of measles and the importance of vaccination.
He explained that many U.S. states with measles outbreaks have direct flights to The Bahamas, which could bring the disease into the country.
He also shared that the MMR vaccination rate in The Bahamas is just under 85%, leaving the country vulnerable.
Dr. Darville said there are no current measles cases in The Bahamas. He announced a door-to-door vaccination programme to raise awareness and immunize children who might have been missed.
He stressed that measles spreads very easily and that immunizations are free at public clinics. Parents should check their children’s vaccination records. If unsure, they can visit the Baillou Hill Road Community Clinic or call the EPI center.
“These vaccines have been used safely for decades and are free,” Dr. Darville said.
Dr. Swann added that the measles vaccine is essential. It protects against a disease that can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and death, especially in young children and those with weak immune systems.
High vaccination rates create herd immunity, protecting even those who can’t get vaccinated. Vaccines have greatly reduced measles worldwide.
Dr. Swann said the public health department is re-launching community visits. Nurses wearing special t-shirts will visit neighborhoods, starting this week, with a special event at Baillou Hill Road and Fleming Street clinics this weekend.
Dr. Eldonna Boisson from PAHO/WHO also spoke. She warned that low vaccination rates put The Bahamas at high risk for a measles outbreak if even one case appears.
Such an outbreak would hurt the country and tourism.
She said the solution is simple: everyone should get two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect children and stop the spread of measles.
Source: Bahamas GIS.
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