Measles is making a comeback around the world
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2019 to 2021, measles showed a downward trend globally, with the lowest number of cases in 2021 (59,619), but an upward trend after 2022.
A total of 82,128 cases of measles were reported globally in January-February 2024, an increase of 31% compared to the same period in 2023 (62,708 cases). The European and American regions, which had eliminated measles, have once again fallen into a measles crisis.
Source: Internet
Since the implementation of the immunization program in mainland China, the vaccination rate of the childhood immunization program has reached more than 90%, and measles has been effectively controlled, with about 600 cases of measles reported every year in recent years, which is at a very low epidemic level in the world. However, the global measles epidemic situation is on the rise, and the mainland is facing the risk and pressure of importing from abroad.
According to the official website of the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention, 31 cases of measles were reported in mainland China in February 2024, and 66 cases of measles were reported in March 2024, an increase of 113% month-on-month.
During the May Day holiday, the flow of people in China has increased significantly, and the exchanges of outbound tourism and business contacts around the world have become increasingly close, and we cannot take measles lightly.
What is measles
The old people often say: "After having a rash and pox, you can be considered to solve the Hades buckle", here "rash" refers to measles, which shows that measles was once an acute respiratory infection that seriously endangered children's health.
Measles is an acute, exanthematous respiratory infection caused by the measles virus, which can occur in all seasons, especially in winter and spring, and children are the main susceptible groups.
Source: Internet
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and patients are the source of measles infection and are contagious from the end of the incubation phase of the disease to 5 days after the rash appears.
People who have never had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles are more susceptible to infection after contact with someone with measles.
What are the modes of transmission?
Measles is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, and people can spread the virus into the air by sneezing, coughing, etc., and can be infected by inhaling the virus in susceptible people, or through direct contact with the secretions of infected people.
Source: Internet
What are the clinical signs?
After being infected with the measles virus, the typical symptoms are "fever for three days, exit for three days, and retreat for three days".
The first symptoms of measles are fever, cough, bloodshot, and eye droppings. After about three days, a rash will first appear from behind the ears and neck, the rash begins as a sparse and irregular red maculopapular rash, generally not itchy, and then spreads along the hairline, develops downward within 24 hours, covering the trunk and upper limbs, and mostly on the third day, the rash involves the lower limbs, palms and soles of the feet, and the skin between the rashes is normal.
Currently, children, adolescents and adults are all at risk of being infected with the measles virus, and some may have mild symptoms with atypical fever and rash.
Common complications of measles include pneumonia, laryngitis, otitis media, encephalitis, etc., among which pneumonia is the most common. Complications are the leading cause of infant mortality and pose a serious threat to children's health.
How can it be prevented?
1. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure
Measles outbreaks occur in countries or regions where they are largely caused by declining vaccination rates or delayed vaccination.
Let's take a look at how other countries are responding to the "resurgence" of measles
Low vaccination rates are a key driver of the surge in measles cases in the UK. According to the National Health Service (NHS), about 85% of children in England have received two doses of MMR vaccine before the age of five. This figure is below the WHO's recommended target of at least 95% vaccination coverage needed to achieve "herd immunity" (only when vaccination coverage is met will the area be able to defend against the spread of measles virus infection). As a result, a catch-up vaccination programme for MMR across multiple age groups has been developed and is being implemented.
From December 1, 2023 to January 23, 2024, there were small outbreaks in several states in the United States, mostly related to international travelers returning to the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 2 doses of measles-mumps vaccine for adolescents and adults who do not have evidence of measles immunity and plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, at least 28 days apart.
Measles-containing vaccine on the mainland
At present, the measles-containing vaccine commonly used in mainland China and internationally is the live attenuated measles vaccine, which is a combination vaccine containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus antigens, referred to as MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine stimulates the body to simultaneously develop immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, thereby preventing measles, mumps and rubella.
The vaccines marketed in mainland China have passed strict testing and approval by the drug regulatory authorities to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. The mainland has been evaluated by the World Health Organization's National Regulatory System (NRA) for vaccines, and the reported incidence of abnormal reactions to MMR vaccines is within the normal range, and the safety is not lower than the monitoring results of other countries.
Source: Internet
Vaccination recommendations
Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent measles, and it is important for children of appropriate age to be vaccinated in a timely manner according to the immunization schedule.
Get vaccinated against measles and mumps in a timely manner
In mainland China, one dose of MMR vaccine is given free of charge at the age of 8 months and 18 months of age. It is important to note that it is very important to get vaccinated in a timely manner. Many children develop measles because they are not up to date with measles vaccination. Therefore, once your child reaches the age of 8 months or 18 months, he or she should be vaccinated against MMR.
Source: Internet
Catch-up vaccination against measles
People under the age of 18 who have not completed the prescribed doses of the national immunization program according to the recommended age should be vaccinated as soon as possible and complete the full course of vaccination as soon as possible.
Adult vaccination
The MMR vaccine is not exclusive to children and is also necessary for adults, as people who have not had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles are also at risk of infection. MMR vaccination is recommended for the following groups:
1. Adults who have not had measles, no history of measles vaccination, or unknown vaccination history;
2. Key populations at risk of exposure to measles cases.
Emergency vaccinations
Since the success rate of measles vaccine immunization is not all 100%, if emergency measles vaccine vaccination is carried out locally, even if you have already received measles vaccine, you should actively cooperate with the unified requirements to receive vaccination.
2. Other preventive measures
Control the source of infection, strengthen the management of patients, and adhere to early detection, early diagnosis, early isolation, and early treatment.
Pay attention to indoor air circulation, open windows for ventilation, and dry bedding.
Pay attention to cold and warmth, maintain good personal hygiene, maintain hand hygiene, and do not touch your mouth, eyes and nose with unclean hands. Avoid others when coughing and sneezing, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow sleeve.
Eat a balanced diet and boost immunity.
Strengthen physical exercise and enhance physical fitness.
Try not to go to crowded public places with poor air circulation, and pay special attention to strengthening the protection of infants and young children under the age of 8 months who have not yet reached the age of vaccination. If you have to go, you must do a good job of personal protection, such as wearing a mask scientifically, to reduce the chance of contracting measles.
Source: Internet