Measles Scare in Cochabamba Debunked: Mother Invented Illness to Justify Child's School Absence

COCHABAMBA, Bolivia – A recent measles scare in Cochabamba has been officially debunked by health authorities, revealing that the alarm stemmed from a mother's fabricated story to justify her child's school absence. The Departmental Health Service (SEDES) of Cochabamba confirmed today that the reported case of measles was false, reassuring the public that there are no registered measles cases in the department. Cinthia Rojas, director of SEDES Cochabamba, clarified, "It was incorrect information not corroborated by the departmental director of Education, who admitted having erroneously disseminated the data." The incident highlights the rapid spread of unverified information and its potential to cause widespread alarm within the community. SEDES officials visited the educational unit and the home of the child involved. The mother provided conflicting accounts, ultimately admitting to inventing the illness to excuse her child's school attendance. The child was reportedly with their father in Potosí and showed no symptoms. Authorities urge the public and educational institutions to verify information with official sources to prevent similar incidents and maintain public calm regarding health matters.