There are 12 deaths from measles and about 3,500 cases in Mexico.

MEXICO CITY (apro).- Although there have been 12 deaths from measles and some 3,500 cases in the country so far this year, the federal government's Secretary of Health (SSA), David Kershenobich, assured that the program to combat this disease "is being well controlled."

Asked at the morning presidential press conference about the country's response to the virus, he said the outbreak is contained in Chihuahua:

“We still have around 3,500 cases of measles detected throughout this period. Twelve people have died from measles. We have significantly increased vaccinations, and the outbreak is contained within the state of Chihuahua.”

He added that in the other states, "it has practically been contained to a significant extent. Chihuahua is where we really have the outbreak."

The official explained that the agency has provided a "significant" number of vaccinators, with the support of Governor Maru Campos.

“The population is being vaccinated intensively. Fortunately, the lockdown has worked and is essentially limited to the state. The frequency and incidence rate of cases has also decreased significantly,” he said.

According to the head of the SSA, the government's goal is to ensure that there are no more measles cases by next November. He added that the Epidemiological Surveillance Program "has been greatly strengthened across the country with all state laboratories. And the confirmed cases are PCR tests, using advanced techniques."

Finally, he reported that there is "enough" vaccine available: around six million, and "more is on the way." The goal, he said, is to have more than 95% of the population vaccinated.