WHO warns of rising cases
In recent months, Europe has experienced “alarming” increase in cases measles, How World Health Organization.
This a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children.
And as WHO/Europe explains in a statement: “Growth has accelerated in recent months and this trend is expected to continue unless urgent action is taken in the region.”
WHO data is alarming about the rise in measles incidence
The data available to WHO itself leaves no room for doubt:
- In 2023, there will be 42,200 cases reported in 40 of the region’s 53 countries., which also includes Russia and several former Soviet republics. A the year before, in 2022, only 941 cases were recorded.
- Only From January to October 2023, there were 20,918 hospitalizations for measles and five deaths. in two countries.
This trend is alarmingAccording to the Director of WHO/Europe, Hans KlugeWHO appealed to the population to protect children through vaccinationwhich is the only tool available today to combat this infectious disease.
AND V Great BritainHealth authorities declared a “national emergency.” due to an outbreak in central England.
Is measles a serious disease?
This highly contagious viral disease. Although it can affect anyone, it is most common in children.
It spreads easily by coughing or sneezing. (the famous droplets that are also responsible for infection in the case of coronavirus). This is a serious pathology that can even lead to death.
As explained Dr. Diego Garcia Martinez de Artolarepresentative of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), is really “serious” disease and “dangerous” which has a relatively high mortality rate, with deaths “associated with cases of pneumonia or superinfection.”
Countries with the most measles cases
According to WHO, Kazakhstan is among the countries with the highest number of confirmed measles cases: 69 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It is followed by Kyrgyzstan (in Central Asia) with 58 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Romania is another of the areas with the highest number of infections since the outbreak was declared: 9.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Affects the respiratory tract
And this is what measles virus affects the respiratory tracttherefore, this may cause pneumoniapotentially fatalas well as inflammation of the internal pairs of the lungs, which leads to bronchitis.
It can also produce:
- Laryngitis
- Diarrhea and vomiting (followed by dehydration)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
AND There is no specific treatment against the measles virus.. Antipyretics are prescribed only for fever, and antitussives are prescribed when a cough appears, that is, to relieve the symptoms of this disease. If bacterial complications occur, the patient is treated antibiotics. It is recommended to rest and take extreme precautions.
In Spain, more than 90% of the population is vaccinated against measles
Only immunized people should come into contact with the sick person, since It spreads very easily.
Why do measles cases continue to rise in Europe?
Dr. García Martínez de Artola explains this mainly by “migration movements.” caused by the war in Ukraine and the “pandemic COVID-19”
In fact, according to the WHO, between 2020 and 2022 there was a significant decline in vaccination coverage due to the health crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.8 million European children were not vaccinated against measleswhat caused relapse of this disease What was practically eliminated, not eradicatedin many countries.
- “In Spain, more than 90% of the population is vaccinated against measles. “Those who do not achieve full protection during the first dose achieve it in the second, which, depending on the Autonomous Community, is administered from the age of 3.”
- “With the second dose, you will prevent any spread or cases and outbreaks in classrooms.“So unless vaccination in other countries progresses or stalls, it will continue to cause outbreaks in the coming months.”
For this reason, the vast majority of cases detected in Spain are “imported”. unvaccinated people in their country of origin.