March 28, 2006
Venezuela to vaccinate 14 million for measles

(AP, published in CNN) - "Measles vaccinations will be given to 14 million Venezuelans this year to combat an outbreak of the viral infectious disease in the capital, officials said.

Adults under 39 years old and children already are receiving vaccinations, but the program will be expanded starting April 9, Health Minister Francisco Armada said in a statement.

Twelve people in Caracas and its suburbs have been diagnosed with the disease in the last month, the first reported cases of measles in this South American nation of 26 million since 2002. The last outbreak affected some 2,500 people.

Armada said this year's outbreak in Venezuela's crowded capital had been controlled. But authorities were taking preventive measures nationwide, he added, vaccinating roughly 67,000 people since February (...)

Measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia and swelling of the brain, and is potentially fatal. Symptoms include coldlike coughing, fever and rash".