---
title: "Panama Health Ministry Tracks 386 Measles Contacts After Imported Cases"
date: 2026-05-11
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/05/11/panama-measles-contacts-minsa/
categories:
  - "Health"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "contact tracing"
  - "imported cases"
  - "MINSA"
  - "Panama measles"
  - "public health"
  - "vaccination"
---

# Panama Health Ministry Tracks 386 Measles Contacts After Imported Cases

## What Happened

Panama’s Ministry of Health is monitoring about 386 people who had contact with two imported measles cases, as part of a 21-day surveillance effort aimed at ruling out secondary infections in the country.

National Epidemiology chief Pablo González said the contacts were identified after recently confirmed imported cases and include people who traveled between Bocas del Toro and Panama City on April 27 and 28. The follow-up list originally included 486 people before being narrowed to 386 active contacts.

Most of the people identified have cooperated with the monitoring process, and about 70% have completed their vaccination schedule, a factor that lowers the risk of transmission.

## Public Health Monitoring

Health authorities have faced some difficulty locating all of the contacts because some members of the public do not trust phone calls from health personnel. González stressed that the calls are part of an epidemiological monitoring effort and a vaccination-status check, not a request for money or financial information.

The Ministry of Health has urged anyone with questions or symptoms consistent with measles to go to a health facility for evaluation. A telephone line will also be activated to provide guidance and route information to the different health regions.

## Vaccination and Prevention

The ministry reminded the public that measles protection in Panama follows a two-dose schedule. Children receive the triple viral vaccine, or MMR, between 12 and 18 months of age, while adults receive an additional MR dose under the national schedule.

Officials said people with a complete vaccination schedule do not need revaccination. Pregnancy remains the main contraindication because the vaccine contains a live attenuated virus, and people who are immunosuppressed or have medical conditions should consult a doctor before being vaccinated.

Authorities said Panama is not experiencing community transmission of measles and that the health system remains ready to strengthen vaccination and prevent the virus from spreading further.

## Why It Matters

Imported cases of measles can create fast-moving exposure chains, especially in places where travelers move between regions. The current monitoring effort reflects Panama’s attempt to contain risk early, verify vaccine coverage, and prevent local transmission before it can take hold.

The emphasis on vaccination also highlights how public health teams are relying on routine immunization and targeted follow-up to keep measles under control across the country.