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Thirty-two suspected cases of measles have been recorded in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo area since November 8 and until Monday at 8 pm, Directorate General of Health (DGS). The latest report indicates that of the 22 cases confirmed by infection by Dr. Ricardo Jorge, National Institute of Health, 20 are adults and two of the children. One of the adults "is hospitalized and clinically stable".
In this OMS balance sheet, there is an increase of eight registered cases compared to 23 November.
How did these cases occur?
There are "two distinct outbreaks, both originating from cases of diseases imported from European countries", but two of the cases are unrelated to these outbreaks and are currently under investigation, says OMS.
How many cases have occurred in Portugal and Europe since October 2017?
Between the beginning of October last year and the end of September this year, more than 13,400 cases of measles were recorded in 30 European countries, 126 of which were in Portugal – the majority during the epidemic at the end of September. Santo António Hospital in Porto in March, according to a report by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC). Greece (with more than three thousand cases), France (more than 2700) and Italy (more than 2500) were the worst examples.
"Measles continues to spread in Europe as vaccination coverage in many countries" is below what it should be. Only four of the 30 countries analyzed by the ECDC had vaccination coverage rates of at least 95%, including Portugal, as well as Sweden, Hungary and Slovakia.
Measles is an infection caused by a virus. It is one of the most contagious infections and "can cause serious illness, mainly in unvaccinated people". "The measles in already vaccinated people is lighter, the probability of clinical complications is much lower and less contagious," says the DGS. However, "unvaccinated people who have never had measles are at high risk of contracting the disease if exposed to the virus".
How is it transmitted?
Measles is an infection caused by a virus. It is one of the most contagious infections and "can cause serious illness, mainly in unvaccinated people". "The measles in already vaccinated people is lighter, the probability of clinical complications is much lower and less contagious," says the DGS. However, "unvaccinated people who have never had measles are at high risk of contracting the disease if exposed to the virus."
The virus is transmitted "by direct contact with infectious droplets or by propagation in the air when the infected person coughs or sneezes". "Patients are considered contagious 4 to 4 days after the onset of rash."
What are the symptoms?
The DGS explains that the symptoms of measles "usually appear between 10 and 12 days after infection and usually start with fever, rash (progressing from the head to the trunk and lower extremities), cough, conjunctivitis and runny nose ". In some cases, white patches may appear inside the cheek approximately one to two days before rash, high fever, and prostration occur.
what is the treatement?
Most people recover with symptomatic treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against the measles virus but are prescribed by your doctor to treat complications such as pneumonia and otitis, if any.
What are the recommendations of the OMS?
Vaccination is the main advice. Check the vaccination report and "if necessary, get vaccinated and get vaccinated," he says. The DGS has the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24). It is recommended to call this number if you have questions, if you have been in contact with a suspected case of measles or if you have symptoms suggestive of the disease.
Who has had measles can have the disease again?
No. "People who have had measles are immune and will no longer suffer from the disease."
What is the recommended vaccination schedule in Portugal?
The VASPR vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is part of the national vaccination plan and is therefore free. Two doses are recommended at 12 months and at 5 years.
He was born before 1970 and does not know if he had measles. What should you do?
Vaccination of people born before 1970 is not necessary except in case of exposure to measles cases or if you are traveling to countries where there are cases, said the general manager. In this case, one dose of VASPR vaccine should be administered. Healthcare professionals with no measurable measles history should receive doses of measles vaccine (VAS / VASPR) regardless of the year of birth. People born after 1970, or 18 years of age or older, without a credible history of measles, should receive at least one dose of the vaccine (VAS / VASPR) at 12 months or older. All persons under 18 must receive two doses of measles vaccine (VASPR).
Can an important measles epidemic occur in Portugal?
There is no reason to fear a major measles epidemic because the vast majority of people are protected – the majority of people born before 1970 are protected because of the disease and most people born after 1970 have been vaccinated, DGS. However, during an outbreak, some vaccinated people may contract the disease by decreasing the protection afforded by the vaccine over time. However, the DGS reports that measles in previously vaccinated individuals is lighter and that the likelihood of clinical complications is much lower.
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