São Paulo reports three new infant measles cases, urges zero‑dose vaccination

The state health secretariat in São Paulo confirmed three additional measles infections on Friday, all in children aged six months to one year. Two of the infants had no record of prior vaccination; all three have recovered. With these cases, the state’s total rises to five confirmed measles cases in 2026, including two earlier imported cases.

Health officials have recommended administering a zero‑dose of the triple‑viral (MMR) vaccine to babies aged 6 months to 11 months 29 days in the city of São Paulo and the neighboring municipality of Guarulhos. The zero‑dose is an additional protective measure and does not replace the routine schedule, which calls for the first dose at 12 months and a second dose at 15 months. Other actions include block‑vaccination of contacts and intensified immunisation campaigns in high‑traffic venues such as airports, bus terminals and subway stations. The director of the Centre for Epidemiological Surveillance noted that the risk of measles re‑introduction underscores the need for up‑to‑date vaccination. Brazil remains classified as measles‑free, with current coverage of 85.32% for the first dose and 72.06% for the second.