WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), through its Department of Public Health (formerly GGD), has issued a public health alert following confirmation that individuals in Curaçao may have been exposed to the measles virus through contact with a cargo vessel.
According to the ministry, in addition to Bonaire and Aruba, Curaçao had individuals who were in contact with the same cargo ship while a person infected with measles was on board. The contact occurred on January 30, 2026. The vessel arrived in Curaçao that day and later continued its journey to Bonaire. At the time the ship was in Curaçao, the infected individual was already in the contagious phase of the illness.
On February 1, 2026, the infected person was admitted to a hospital in Bonaire.
Authorities have stated that all necessary preventive measures have been taken to mitigate the risk of further spread within the community. However, the public is urged to remain extra alert over the next two weeks for symptoms consistent with measles infection.
Symptoms to Watch For
Residents are advised to monitor for the following symptoms:
• High fever of up to 40°C
• General feeling of illness
• Runny nose
• Persistent coughing
• Red or swollen eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth
• Red rash starting behind the ears and spreading across the body
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to contact their general practitioner by telephone or WhatsApp and follow medical advice. People are advised not to visit clinics or hospitals without prior consultation to avoid potential spread.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of infection, the ministry recommends:
• Maintaining physical distance
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer
• Covering sneezes with a tissue and discarding it immediately
• Coughing or sneezing into the inside of the elbow
• Verifying vaccination status against measles if uncertain
The government has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates if necessary.
What Is Measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and is caused by the measles virus. Individuals who have never had measles or who are not vaccinated are at higher risk of infection.
The virus spreads through the air, particularly when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus can remain airborne in a room for some time, infecting others who inhale contaminated droplets.
Incubation and Contagious Period
The incubation period — the time between exposure and onset of symptoms — ranges from 7 to 21 days.
A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after it disappears.
The illness typically lasts between 7 and 10 days.
Possible Complications
Measles can lead to serious complications, including:
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Brain infection (encephalitis)
These complications are especially dangerous for young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination Remains the Best Protection
Health officials emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective, protecting both individuals and the wider community.
Under Curaçao’s vaccination schedule, children receive two doses of the measles vaccine: once at 12 months and again at 15 months of age. These two doses generally provide lifelong protection, and additional vaccination is not typically required afterward. Residents are encouraged to keep official vaccination records as proof of immunization.
For further information, the Department for Infectious Disease Control (IZB) can be contacted at 514-2860, 515-2860 or 523-1530.
Health authorities stress that vigilance and community cooperation are essential to preventing a potential outbreak.