Measles cases rose almost 80% between January and February this year

increase in cases measles created awareness among healthcare institutions around the world. According to the United Nations (UN), the number of measles cases increased by 79% in the period from January to February 2022 alone, compared to the previous year.

In the statement released on April 27, the pandemic Covid-19 had a major impact on access to vaccines, making children more vulnerable to these or other preventable diseases.

In total, more than 21 disease outbreaks have been identified worldwide. Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Ethiopia are currently the countries most affected by the infection.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and can be fatal. Signs and symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, intense malaise, and intense weakness and reddish patches starting on the face and behind the ears and spreading all over the body.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person or through the air if the person sneezes or coughs in the same environment. The most contagious phase occurs four days before the red spots appear and continues until four days later.

Currently, the only form of protection is the vaccine, which is offered in 3 types as double viral, triple viral and tetra viral, and provides immunity against other viruses such as rubella, mumps and chickenpox.

Everyone is exposed to contamination by the measles virus. Although the manifestation and severity of the disease vary according to the age group, it is more severe in children under the age of five and carries a potential risk of death. There is no specific treatment, only follow-up and medication that treats the discomfort caused by the disease.

In Brazil, the disease was considered eradicated in 2016, but cases re-emerged in 2018 as demand for the immunizer fell. It is extremely important to vaccinate people, especially children, against measles, as the disease can cause death as well as severe lifelong sequelae.