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Measles cases rise in Bolivia and Colombia amid imported outbreaks
Health authorities in Bolivia and Colombia are responding to rising measles cases linked to international travel. In Bolivia, the Departmental Health Service (Sedes) reported 12 confirmed cases in La Paz and El Alto. The outbreak, which initially affected university students, has expanded to include a schoolchild. Officials noted that the virus appears to have been imported from Puno, Peru.
In Colombia, health officials have identified 15 imported measles cases so far in 2026, involving travelers from Peru, Mexico, the United States, and Panama. A recent case in the Amazonas department involved a 2-year-old child from Peru. While the child was treated in Leticia, Colombia, they subsequently traveled to Tabatinga, Brazil, for isolation and medical follow-up. Brazil has also reported three additional cases originating from Peru.
Despite these reports, Colombian authorities state there has been no evidence of sustained local transmission within the country as of epidemiological week 36. Health ministries in both nations are urging citizens to verify vaccination records and remain vigilant for symptoms.
Entities
Amazonas · Instituto Nacional de Salud · La Paz · Ministerio de Salud de Colombia · SEDES
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The measles virus in Bolivia initially entered from Puno, Peru. lapatria.bo
- [● 2 SOURCES] No sustained transmission of the measles virus has been found within Colombia as of epidemiological week 36. www.colombia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A recent imported case in Amazonas, Colombia, involves a 2-year-old Peruvian child from Loreto. www.colombia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colombia has identified 15 measles cases in 2026 associated with international travel. www.colombia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Departmental Health Service (Sedes) reported 12 measles cases in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia. lapatria.bo
- [● 2 SOURCES] Brazil confirmed three additional measles cases originating from Peru. www.colombia.com