The last recorded case of measles in the Caribbean was in 2019. The highly contagious disease poses a risk for Saint Lucia, she explained, as heightened tourist traffic is due to come to the island this summer season.

“As the island prepares for the increased visitor arrivals for the men's T20 ICC Cricket World Cup matches and the anticipated carnival celebrations, the Ministry of Health remains vigilant of outbreaks in many of the countries globally,” she said.

One infected individual can infect almost 90% of their close contacts and being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people.

Signs and symptoms of measles are as follows:

• Signs and symptoms of measles usually appear between 10 and 12 days after exposure to an infected individual. But in some individuals, it may take as many as 21 days to develop.
• Symptoms may be similar to that of the common cold and include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.
• People may also develop whitish spots in their mouths, followed by a rash, which starts on the face and spreads to the entire body.
• It is very important to note that an individual can spread measles even before the rash appears.
• The infection can spread up to four days before the rash appears and as many as four days after the rash develops.
• The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.