The number of measles cases around the world grows: Spain extends the strategic plan to 2025 – Okdiario

In recent months, after the harsh waves of the coronavirus pandemic, there are many threats that old diseases that seemed eradicated have once again emphasized our vulnerability and perhaps also the neglect of a developed society that does not look excessively to past times. . These days there is talk of outbreaks of poliomyelitis, viral diseases born in areas of Asia and in recent weeks also the increase in measles. The coronavirus pandemic has led to the largest vaccination campaign in our country, starting in December 2020 as a landmark of science and hope. Vaccines have certainly helped save lives, but they have had too many detractors from the start. Deniers who are damaging the idea of ​​the need for vaccination. Measles outbreaks in Europe are usually attributed, at this time, to people traveling from less developed countries. However, the figures show that between 2016 and 2019 cases in the world increased by more than 500%. In 2018, 140,000 people died from this disease: most of them children. Measles is therefore a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963 and its use became widespread, major measles epidemics occurred every 2-3 years, causing nearly 2.6 million deaths per year.
Globally, it remains one of the leading causes of death in young children, despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine. Public health problems Measles and rubella are major public health problems, and both diseases are potential candidates for eradication through vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) coordinates the elimination of measles and rubella at the global level and carries out an annual follow-up of the progress that is being achieved in the different Regions. The Regional Verification Commission for the elimination of measles and rubella declared that Spain has been in a situation of eliminating rubella since 2015 and measles since 2016, maintaining this situation in successive annual evaluations. The second Seroprevalence Study in Spain, carried out in 2017-2018, shows a decrease in the population with protective measles antibody titers in the population that has obtained them through vaccination, in a context without wild virus circulation. In relation to rubella, a very high immunity of the population against the rubella virus is observed in all age groups, demonstrating the maintenance of the immunity conferred by vaccination. This Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Rubella in Spain 2021-2025, updates the National Plan for the Elimination of Measles, from the year 2000, and the Surveillance Protocol for Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome, from 2007, which together formed the Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Rubella for Spain .Facts and figures Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children, despite the fact that there is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent it. In 2016, there were 89,780 measles deaths worldwide. This is the first time that the number of measles deaths has fallen below 100,000 per year. Measles vaccination has reduced global mortality from this cause by 84% between 2000 and 2016. In 2016, approximately 85% of the world’s child population received a dose of measles vaccine through regular health services before reaching one year of life. In 2000, that percentage was 72%. Between 2000 and 2016, the measles vaccine is estimated to have prevented an estimated 20.4 million deaths, making it one of the best investments in public health. Population at risk Unvaccinated young children are at greatest risk of measles and its complications, including death. Unvaccinated pregnant women also constitute an important risk group. However, anyone who is not immunized (ie, has not been vaccinated and has not had the disease) can become infected. Measles is still common in many developing countries, especially in parts of Africa, Asia. The overwhelming majority (over 95%) of deaths occur in countries with low income per capita and poor health infrastructure. Measles outbreaks can be particularly deadly in countries experiencing or recovering from natural disasters or conflict. Damage to health infrastructure and health services disrupt routine immunization, and overcrowding in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons greatly increases the risk of infection. Transmission The measles virus is highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing , intimate personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or pharyngeal secretions. Virus present in the air or on infected surfaces remains active and contagious for up to 2 hours and can be transmitted from an infected individual from 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset. Measles can cause epidemics that cause many deaths, especially among malnourished young children. In countries where measles has been virtually eliminated, cases imported from other countries remain a major source of infection. Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment for the measles virus. Serious complications of measles can be prevented with supportive treatment that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration with WHO-recommended oral rehydration solutions (to replace fluids and other essentials lose with diarrhea or vomiting). Antibiotics should be prescribed to treat pneumonia and ear and eye infections. All children diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, separated by 24 hours.