Suspicious case forces authorities to seek non-vaccination to fight measles – Horizons

An analysis to prevent a possible circulation of the measles virus is carried out in two cities of Greater Bosnia and Herzegovina. Until this evening, who had contact with an Italian resident of Betim aged 29 and who is recovering from a probable illness in the capital, will have the vaccination card checked and, if necessary, vaccinate. The thin comb also occurs in Juatuba, where the young man works.

The procedure is urgent, according to the health authorities, because the disease is very contagious and can kill. The state has not experienced any internal transmission of measles since 1999, but about 8 million minors are unprotected.

The number is for people up to 49 who have not received the vaccine. The recommendation is to apply two doses for under 29s and one for those over this age. More than 50 do not need vaccination.

The alert is even greater because of the incubation period of the virus. According to the Epidemiological Surveillance Guide of the Ministry of Health, the deadline is ten days. According to the prefecture of Betim, the Italian presented the first symptoms on January 18th. "It has probably contracted here in Brazil and, if confirmed, further strengthens and strengthens the need for protection," warned the infectologist, Unaí Tupinambás, a professor at the UFMG School of Medicine.

The state is waiting for the new Fiocruz test; however, until the afternoon of yesterday, the sample had not arrived at the Rio Lab.

Danger

The patient arrived at Betim on the 10th. Before he had crossed Croatia and Italy in Europe. Since he was not able to tell if he had already taken the dose against the disease, the man is isolated in a private hospital in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "In a closed environment, the virus remains in circulation for up to two hours, and those who have had contact with a person with measles should be vaccinated immediately if protection is delayed or delayed," said Carlos Starling, president of the Mining company of infectology (SMI).

Resistance

The problem, according to experts, is the resistance of adults. Eva Lídia Medeiros, immunization coordinator of the State Department of Health (SES), analyzes that the scenario is historic. "In the implementation of the national immunization program, the strategy was well focused on children, but today there is a timetable for all age groups."

According to her, the vaccine is available throughout the territory of Minas Gerais. "In Betim and Juatuba, where the patient lives and works, the agents must block vaccination, check all booklets and immunize anyone without the proven dose," said Eva Lídia.

According to SES, these actions, which must be carried out within 72 hours after the notification of suspicion – Wednesday last Wednesday – were undertaken before confirmation by the laboratory. The record highlights that the definitive diagnosis awaits the analysis of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in Rio de Janeiro. For socio-economic status, the patient, if the image of measles was confirmed, was infected outside the country.

In Betim, the town hall has confirmed the blockade of vaccination. But the municipal administration of Juatuba has not expressed.