The state of Sao Paulo confirmed on Wednesday (28) the first death from measles since 1997, the year in which there were 23 deaths due to the infectious disease.
The victim was a 42-year-old man living in the eastern part of the capital, with no record of immunization. According to the municipal secretary of health, he had undergone surgery to remove the spleen, an organ that is part of the lymphatic system and helps defend the body. The death was recorded on August 17.
The Ministry of Health says it's the first death recorded this year in the country due to the disease. Another suspected measles death in Pernambuco is still under investigation.
The city office says it will continue to carry out blocking actions when there are suspected cases of measles. They are intended to interrupt the transmission of the disease and occur at the patient's residence and in places frequented by the patient. This year, according to the portfolio, more than 7,000 such actions have been carried out in the municipality.
The state secretary of health says the state has 2,457 confirmed cases of the disease, of which 67% (1,637) are in the capital
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon