The latest case of measles in Aragon requires special caution in patients with relevant symptoms.
Public health confirmed last week an autochthonous case of measles in the province of Zaragoza, an infectious and contagious disease that is located in elimination phaseuntil its complete destruction. With this new case identified on February 20 in an adult male, alarm bells have been sounded.
The latest Aragonese Epidemiological Bulletin, published this Thursday, admits that this is currently “fundamental”. increase diagnostic suspicion For patients with compatible symptoms, take immediate airborne precautions and collect samples as per protocol.” The suspicion must be notified to public health “urgently” through normal channels.
In recent years, the Community has experienced five buds: between 2011 and 2013 there were three, which coincided with the wave of the epidemic in Spain; A population-based outbreak was reported in 2018; and in 2019, another case of transmission in health care facilities, small in size and located in the province of Huesca.
The most effective measure to eliminate measles and rubella is vaccination. In Spain triple viral vaccine (TV), which contains live attenuated measles, rubella and mumps viruses, and tetravirus, which also contains attenuated varicella zoster viruses. Measles and rubella vaccines are administered in a two-dose schedule: at 12 months and at 3 years. In addition, vaccination with two doses of TV with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses is currently recommended for people born in Spain after 1970 and without a history of vaccination with TV. If they have previously received a dose, a second one will be administered, always respecting the interval above. In Aragon, the current coverage is high: in 2022 it will reach 98.3% for the first dose and 96.2% for the second).
Measles is important public health issue. It is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and continues to cause high mortality worldwide, despite being preventable through immunoprophylaxis. According to the Epidemiological Bulletin, the disease begins with fever, rhinitis, cough and the appearance of small erythematous spots with a whitish center on the oral mucosa – Koplik spots. The rash, which appears three to seven days after the onset of symptoms, begins on the face and spreads throughout the body.
It is transmitted by airborne droplets expelled through the respiratory tract.suspended in the air or through direct contact with nasal or pharyngeal secretions from infected people. Less commonly, through objects recently contaminated with nasal or pharyngeal secretions. It is highly contagious, with a secondary infection rate of more than 90% in susceptible populations. Infected people shed the viruses by coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with secretions from the nose or throat and are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days afterward.
Therefore it is extremely important insulation cases when a disease is suspected. Declaration is mandatory and urgent because it requires immediate public health action regarding the patient and his contacts.
Evolution of influenza
During the week from 19 to 25 February, the incidence of influenza reported in primary health care facilities was 27.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. below basal threshold set for the season at 59.6 cases per 100,000.
In public hospitals 74 flu emergencies0.6% of total emergency room visits, of which five required hospitalization.
On the other hand, the Epidemiological Bulletin also reports Chemical poisoning outbreak at a hotel in Teruel province. Three patients were reported with respiratory symptoms, eye irritation, nausea and vomiting. The Environmental Health Department was notified and took appropriate action and control measures.