That in 2017 there were 35 deaths in Europe because of measles It is, according to WHO, "an unacceptable tragedy." This is reflected in an article in the medical journal BMJ that publishes the ravages that this disease caused last year, increasing cases of contagion by 400% compared to 2016.
Ukraine, Romania and Italy were the most affected countries. Behind this outbreak there are several causes that include anti-vaccine movements, very powerful in these countries, although it is not the only reason.
Numbers and countries affected
In 2017, WHO recorded 21,315 cases of measles in Europe (with 35 dead) compared to 5,273 the previous year. This represents an increase of 400%; a totally avoidable tragedy with a correct vaccination.
Of the 53 countries in the European region, 15 suffered outbreaks with at least 100 cases or more, the most alarming, Romania with 5,562 affected, Italy with 5,006 and Ukraine with 4,767 infections.
Other countries with high levels of contagion and also worrying the authorities have been: Greece, where about 967 cases were counted, Germany with 927 infections, Serbia with 702, Tajikistan with 649 and France with 520 cases.
In 2018, new cases have continued to be registered, and WHO is already taking measures to curb existing outbreaks and prevent the occurrence of more infections.These measures are focusing on raising public awareness, informing the population of the main affected countries and facilitating access to vaccines by improving logistics support.
"The elimination, both of measles and rubella, constitutes a Public health priority for health authorities in European countries due to the high level of contagion that this disease has "- said a spokesman for the WHO, according to the ABC newspaper
Spain is not among the affected countries, despite the fact that measles outbreaks were recorded in Barcelona last year that have been repeated a few days ago. However, and despite these sporadic outbreaks imported from other countries, Spain got last year the accreditation of measles-free country.
Causes of measles outbreak
Definitely, Vaccines are one of the main causes They hide behind this outbreak, but it is not the only one. The cuts suffered in recent years in vaccination campaigns in some countries, and the incomplete vaccination They are also some of the causes that have caused the largest measles outbreak in Europe.
In Romania, for example, the country's anti-vaccine campaigns are joined by a weakened health system which have caused the decrease in the vaccination rate to 86%, being recommended by the WHO 95%.
Another cause of this outbreak would be the incomplete vaccination, and there are parents who vaccinate their children with the first dose but they don't put the second one because they may consider that it is no longer necessary or simply forgotten, and many of the contagion problems also come for this reason.
The measles vaccine is part of the viral triple next to rubella and mumps. According to this year's vaccine calendar of the AEP, a first dose is administered between 12 and 15 months and a second dose of recall between two and four years.
Therefore, it is essential to improve surveillance campaigns to ensure complete vaccination, as well as inform and educate parents about the importance of completing all doses.On the other hand, health authorities remember that if a person has been in contact with a measles affected, should be vaccinated within 72 hours as a preventive measure.
A disease that can be complicated
WHO warns that a person infected with measles you can spread up to 100 people around you, and is that this viral disease spreads very easily and quickly through the secretions of the nose and mouth. A sneeze or cough is enough for particles to spread through the air and come into contact with another person.
Measles symptoms are high fever, cough, conjunctivitis and red pimples all over the body, but if complicated it could lead to otitis, pneumonia or encephalitis. These complications can seriously affect some people or even cause death, being the most vulnerable groups babies who have not yet been vaccinated, adults, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.
And unfortunately, on more than one occasion we have echoed news in which children of any age, and even babies, have died because of complications from this disease that could have been avoided with a simple prick. Because not vaccinating threatens everyone's health.
IStock photos
Via ABC
In Xataca More than 2500 cases of measles in Italy and 89% of them are not vaccinated: the true epidemic is the anti-vaccines
In Babies and More Measles, Measles Vaccine, Childhood Vaccines
