The number of confirmed measles cases in the country rises to 822

SÃO PAULO – The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday morning that the number of confirmed measles cases in the country in 2018 has reached 822. The latest 18-day report indicated 667 occurrences. Five deaths have been reported and the state of Amazonas is leading the number of cases (519).

The presentation was presented by Minister Gilberto Occhi at the launch of the National Immunization Campaign against Measles and Polio. The mutirão focuses on children over 1 year and under 5 years old and will take place between August 6th and 31st. The goal is to vaccinate more than 11.2 million children across the country.

"Cases of measles and poliomyelitis have been banned from diseases that have existed in the country for a number of years and vaccine coverage has dropped.The causes of the fall are the success of the vaccine, which makes disappearing diseases, individual ignorance about the benefit of the vaccine and the hours of operation of vaccination units, which is incompatible with the activities of families.In Brazil, we have 822 cases of measles contamination and we do not We can not allow more contamination to be caused by this disease, and five deaths have already been confirmed, "says the minister.No cases have been recorded in 2016 and 2017 in Brazil.

In the country, there are also 3,831 cases of measles being investigated.No cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in Brazil since 1989. "Worldwide, we identify three countries who still have the disease: l & # 39; Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan We have not identified the circulation of polio in Brazil, but we have low coverage Vaccination is important, "says Occhi. During the presentation, Occhi showed that in 2011, the coverage of the polio vaccine was 101.3% and dropped to 78.4% in 2017. In the case of the first dose of measles vaccine, it fell from 102.3% (2011) to 85.2% (2017). The second dose increased from 92.8% (2014) to 69.9% (2017).

Even children who have already taken doses of the measles and polio vaccine will have to participate in the action. "It's time to call all the kids, create a sanitary barrier and correct any vaccine failures because kids may not respond to the scheme and provide extra reinforcement to correct those flaws." there is no risk of overwhelming "Domingues, general coordinator of the National Program of Immunization (NIP)

According to Carla, there is no minimum interval between doses of polio vaccine. In the case of measles, you should not take the vaccine that has received immunization in the last 30 days. The second dose of measles vaccine should be taken after vaccination, with a three-month interval between doses.

The investment for the campaign was 160.7 million reais for the acquisition of 28.3.

The polio immunization schedule is composed of three doses administered at 2, 4 and 6 months, requiring two reminders at 15 months and at 4 years. Immunization against measles is done by means of the triple viral vaccine, which also protects against rubella and mumps. The vaccination schedule is one dose at 12 months, with a booster at 15 months.

In the state of São Paulo, the State Department of Health plans the start of the vaccination campaign for next Saturday, in a note, that the goal is "to facilitate parents and caregivers to take children to health posts. " At the end of June, the Ministry of Health issued a warning on the risk of return of polio in at least 44 of which are in the state of São Paulo, based on the low vaccination coverage registered in these places – that did not reach 50%, while the target is 95%. In 2017, at least 800,000 children did not have the full vaccination program, consisting of three doses of the vaccine.

Data released by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) show that vaccination rates are increasing worldwide.

Measles is a viral and contagious disease

Measles is a viral and contagious disease. According to Filipe Piastrelli, an infectious disease specialist at the Oswaldo Cruz German hospital, the patient catches the disease from respiratory particles and not always that transmits symptoms. "The virus can enter the conjunctiva of the eye or mucous membranes, it begins to multiply and reaches the bloodstream, when it reaches the greatest potential for transmission."

If it is confirmed that the patient is suffering from measles, he should be isolated?

Yes. As it is a contagious disease, she should avoid contact with other people and, if they receive visits, they should wear masks.

Is the vaccine effective in preventing the disease? How long will it take effect?

"It's a good vaccine, with over 90% efficiency." Full protection will occur from ten to 14 days, says Oliveira Júnior

Can any one take the vaccine?

Like the yellow fever vaccine, it is manufactured with a live attenuated virus. It is not recommended for pregnant women, infants under one year old and immunocompromised patients. "The first choice is to get the vaccine, if the person has contraindications, he makes immunoglobulin, which has formed antibodies and reduces severe forms of the disease," Piastrelli explains.

How many doses should I take?

The Department of Health and the World Health Organization recommend two doses over a lifetime. In Brazil, the doses are applied at 12 and 15 months of life. If you have taken only one dose, you should take the second dose up to 29 years of age. If you have not already taken it, just take a dose between 30 and 49 years old.

Does the person need to be vaccinated if she has lost the notebook and does not know if he has been vaccinated?

Yes Recommended doses should be taken by the patient.

[196459002] If taken up to 72 hours after contact, the vaccine is able to reduce the forms. of the disease. But blocking actions must always be performed.