PUBLIC ADVISORY
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 3 March 2025: The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to advise the public to remain alert for the signs and symptoms of measles. While there are no cases of measles in the Turks and Caicos, it is easy for measles to be imported from other regions which still have very high incidences of cases. Currently, there are active outbreaks in the Region of the Americas. As of 21st February 2025 the Region of the Americas reported sixty-eight cases (68) cases of Measles in three countries. The Ministry of Health is monitoring these outbreaks closely. We advise travelers to exercise preventative and protective measures.
About Measles
Measles is a highly infectious disease which spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, cough, or sneezes. The virus can last in the air for up to two hours and on surfaces for longer. Therefore, if an unvaccinated person comes in contact with that air space or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. The period when a person is infectious and can spread the virus is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days.
Common symptoms for measles include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Red rash that starts behind the ears and then spreads to the head and neck, followed by the rest of the body. People with Measles may also have small greyish white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, cheek and throat and body aches.
If you come in contact with someone who has Measles or symptoms of Measles and you are unvaccinated, you should report to your primary care physician immediately. Measles can lead to serious complications in children and vulnerable adults including pregnant women and persons with a weakened immune system.
The number one way of preventing measles is through vaccination with two (2) doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years. It is safe and highly effective in preventing Measles. It is offered free of cost at all primary health care facilities within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has maintained high immunisation coverage, over 90%, in the MMR vaccine. The last reported case of measles in the TCI was in 2024. Although, we have good immunity in the TCI, persons who are not protected are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.
Persons who are uncertain of their immunisation status may also visit their primary care physician or public health nurse. If you are concerned that you might have been exposed, please contact your health care provider.
For more information, please contact the Primary Health Care Department Public Health Nurses on the following telephone numbers: 338-5474; 338-5470 or 946-5613 or, you may contact your local health care provider.
Keep up to date by checking the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tcihealthpromotions.
Help us keep TCI measles free, protect yourself and your loved ones from measles!
