Measles in the Canary Islands: Cases are increasing and authorities in La Palma are concerned

The General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has raised the number of confirmed cases associated with the measles outbreak reported last Monday in La Palma to eight, with three initial cases.

The five new cases correspond to two minors in La Palma and three people in Tenerife, and one of the latter is the case reported a few weeks ago on this island, once follow-up studies have confirmed the epidemiological link with the index case of the La Palma outbreak.

For the moment, all those affected present mild symptoms and are experiencing the disease without incident, according to the Ministry of Health in a statement.

The first three cases reported on Monday correspond to the index case of vaccination age, that is, older than twelve months, a healthcare worker, and a pre-vaccination minor who coincided with them in a closed space.

It adds that since the General Directorate of Public Health became aware of the suspicion of these cases, and in permanent communication and coordination with the Management of the Health Services of the Health Area of ​​La Palma, the protocols for assessment, monitoring and control of contacts were activated to try to control the spread of the disease.

In this regard, it recalls that appropriate monitoring is still being carried out on people who have had contact with confirmed cases.

During 2024, seven cases of measles were reported in the Canary Islands, of which five were imported or related to imported cases from outside the islands and two of unknown origin.

In 2025, two cases were registered, one imported and one unknown.

In addition, there have been two other vaccine cases caused as a side effect after the administration of the vaccine. In both cases, the disease presented with mild symptoms and without complications for the minors.

The General Directorate of Public Health emphasizes the importance of receiving the two doses of the measles vaccine included in the vaccination schedule to achieve individual immunization and prevent the transmission of the disease to people who, for some reason, cannot receive the vaccine.