Feb 19 β€’ 19:35 UTC πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico El Financiero (ES)

Is the face mask effective against measles? Eduardo Clark explains its effectiveness against the virus

Mexican authorities have mandated the use of face masks due to a rise in measles cases, but official Eduardo Clark states that it does not significantly prevent virus transmission.

In response to the increasing number of measles cases in Mexico, health authorities have recommended the use of face masks; however, Eduardo Clark, the Undersecretary of Sector Integration and Coordination of Medical Care Services, has stated that masks provide only marginal assistance in preventing the virus's spread. He emphasized that while masks do not harm, they also do not make a significant difference in containing the transmission of the disease, which can be spread through infected saliva and persist on surfaces.

Clark explained further that although wearing a mask may provide slight help in mitigating risks, it cannot be relied upon as a primary preventative measure against measles. The critical factors for controlling the outbreak include vaccination and proper hygiene practices. Schools in the State of Mexico and Jalisco were among the first to enforce mask usage to avert outbreaks, signaling the concern among authorities about potential spikes in infection rates.

Additionally, there are prevailing myths regarding measles prevention that need to be addressed. Authorities aim to educate the public on effective preventative measures, reinforcing the importance of vaccination over reliance on masks. Ultimately, the authorities’ focus remains on vaccinating at-risk populations as a more effective strategy in combating the spread of measles in Mexico.

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