Bolivia: Places in News

India has sent 3 lakh doses of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines along with medical supplies to Bolivia to support its response to a measles outbreak, amid a global rise in cases.

• Virologists from the Global Virus Network (GVN) — a coalition of scientists from over 40 countries — have raised alarms over the sharp rise in measles cases globally.
• Causes of resurgence include: Falling vaccination rates, Interrupted immunisation campaigns, Weak health systems, Conflict and displacement

About Bolivia

• Location: Landlocked country in western-central South America, entirely in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Bolivia shares its borders with Brazil to the north and east, Argentina to the south, Paraguay to the southeast, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west.
• Named after Simón Bolívar, a key figure in the Spanish American wars of independence.

Geographical Features

• Dominated by the Andes Mountains (Cordillera Ranges).
• Highest peak: Mount Sajama.
• Largest inland lake: Lake Poopó (salty lake).
• Lake Titicaca: Shared with Peru; the world’s highest navigable lake.
• Major Rivers: Madeira, Mamoré, Beni, Pilcomayo, Desaguadero.
• One of South America’s largest natural gas producers.
• Rich in minerals; major exports include zinc, silver, tin, and lead.

What is Measles ?

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or breathing the same air as an infected person.
• The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads through the body.
• Transmission: A person is contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
  • One infected person can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated close contacts.
• Complications: Measles can lead to blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, and ear infections.
• Risk Groups: Children under 5, pregnant women, malnourished individuals, and those with weak immunity (e.g., HIV) are most at risk.
• Treatment: There is no specific cure; care focuses on hydration, nutrition, antibiotics for infections, and vitamin A supplements.

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