WHO and UNICEF warned this week about a dangerous skid that measles outbreaks throughout Europe. While 61,070 cases and 13 deaths were reported in 2023, they were already diagnosed in the first three months of 2024 alone. 56,634 peopleof which 4 died.
About 75% of those infected have not received a single dose of measles vaccine. Except, 99% did not receive both doses. This shows how highly effective the vaccine is and suggests that outbreaks are being caused by declining vaccination rates.
We may soon think that this decline is due to the role of anti-vaccines. And it’s true that they influenced what happened. However COVID-19 pandemic This also had some impact because in some countries it caused vaccination campaigns to stop abruptly and then be very difficult to resume.
Dangers of measles
Today, it is thanks to the high level of vaccination in developed countries that we no longer remember danger of measles. Many anti-vaxxers view this as a harmless form of hives. However, the infection caused by the virus can become more complicated, causing pneumonia or inflammation of the brain called encephalitis. These complications can cause the death of the patient, especially if these are small children, immature immune system. An estimated 200,000 people continue to die each year from the disease, most of them children. Many of these deaths occur in Developing countrieswhere unfortunately there are still many people who cannot access the vaccine.
Despite this, the situation is much better than in the past. It is one of the most contagious diseases that exist. To give us an idea of what COVID-19 is responsible for the recent pandemic we have experienced, the R0 number is usually found about 1. Maximum 3 during the most intense waves. This number represents the number of people an infected person can infect. For measles, this figure is usually between 12 and 18.
For this reason, before the vaccine was available, measles outbreaks were huge. It is estimated that more than 2 million people die each year worldwide. It is clear that the vaccine was one of the best scientific inventions of the 20th century. But what’s happening lately?
We must restore vaccination rates
The measles vaccine is usually given at two doses. Usually the first one is prescribed about 12 months and the second between 4 and 6 years. The majority of infections detected in Europe occur in children under 5 years of age. That is, children who should have received the first dose during the pandemic.
We know that the normal rhythm of healthcare it slowed down a lot. Tests, surgeries, and vaccines have been postponed. The pace is gradually recovering, but in some countries immunization campaigns still need to be strengthened.
There is no longer a need to simply reach as many patients as possible. Also to raise awareness about the need for the vaccine. And although we have seen that anti-vaxxers are not the only culprits, it is true that the movement expanded significantly with the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, spewing out other vaccines that were much more effective. consolidated.
At this stage, special attention should be paid to the most vulnerable segments of the population. That is, very young children or patients with other pathologies or weakened immune system. It is very important that these people are vaccinated if possible. If your health does not allow this, you should ensure that those around you are vaccinated.
We have time to stop measles outbreaks, but health authorities and the public must do their part. The vaccine has proven to be the ultimate weapon. Let’s never stop using it.
Source: Hiper Textual
