By Arianna Neely
Bahama Journal Staff Writer

While our neighbours to the north in the USA record new cases of measles including deaths from
the illness, The Bahamas has no recorded cases nevertheless the Ministry of Health and Wellness
is highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated for the illness to keep the numbers as low as
possible.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Micheal Darville said at a press conference this week.
“Many of the (places where they have) confirmed cases of measles in the United States have
direct flights to the Bahamas and the possibility of imported cases is now high. Secondly, the
country’s measles immunization rates are just under 85% which makes us very vulnerable as a
nation for the possible outbreak of measle cases.”
So far in 2025, the United States of America has recorded over 800 cases of measles. In 2024,
the USA recorded 285 cases, which is a 180 percent increase and raises great concern of the
rapidness of the spread internationally. Minister Darvile said the Ministry is working to prevent
and protect people from the outbreak…
“The Department of public health along with the PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) is
launching a community-based door to door program to promote public awareness, education
concerning Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and to immunize as many children as we
possible can, particularly those we may have missed”
Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director of the Department of Public Health says that vaccinating the
populace is crucial to ensure a healthier and safer community.
Community awareness campaigns will be held to educate people about the importance of
vaccines. Healthcare frontline workers will also send out notices to arrange for vaccinations in
the workplaces. Clinic hours will also be extended to accommodate additional vaccination
services for both children and adults.
National Coordinator for the National Immunization Program, Gina Rose, said that the purpose
of the program is to primarily ensure that the practice of immunization is standardized
throughout the country, to monitor the coverage rates of vaccination and to ensure that all given
vaccinations are safe. The recommended coverage should be at 95% however the rate for the
second dose of the measles vaccination is at roughly 60%.
Health officials have already visited preschools to provide immunization to children who have
missed shots. This initiative will continue next week as the Vaccinations Week of Americas will

be celebrated. Consent forms will be sent to parents to give healthcare professionals permission
to administer vaccines to their children.

On Saturday, April 26th there will be a team at the Mall at Marathon for people who want to be
immunized from 10am to 4pm. The following Saturday, May 3rd , a team will be at the Coconut
Grove Community area, extended into Englerston and neighboring communities at the Cynthia
“Mother” Pratt Park.