The measles epidemic will only be blocked by vaccination – Correio do Brasil



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From August 6th to 31st, the national vaccination campaign will be carried out, with a large mobilization of vaccination on Saturday, August 18th

By Editorial, with ACS – from Brasília:

L & # The year had just begun and the news was attracting attention. In mid-February, the state of Roraima notified the Ministry of Health of a case of measles in a Venezuelan child of one year unvaccinated, with fever, red spots on the body, cough, and conjunctivitis. Shortly after the suspicion was confirmed by laboratory analysis, the disease spread through the state: EM data show that as of 17 July, there are already 414 notifications, including 216 confirmations. 160 more cases remain under investigation

The measles virus has a high propagation capacity

But that did not stop there. Of a viral, serious and extremely contagious nature, the disease has arrived in the Amazon, which already has 3,120 notifications, ie 444 confirmations and 2,529 in investigation. Rondônia, with confirmation, also begins to see its population affected by the disease, which has not been recorded in the state since 1999.

Cases are also reported in the southern and southern regions -is, miles away from initial notifications. So far, the state of Rio de Janeiro has recorded seven confirmations. São Paulo presents a confirmation. In addition, 10 cases were confirmed in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in an unvaccinated child with a history of moving to an endemic country in Europe.

– The measles virus has a high propagation capacity. It is almost certain that all unvaccinated people who come in contact with the pathogen will be infected – says researcher Marilda Siqueira, head of the Respiratory Virus and Measles Laboratory at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC / Fiocruz). Transmission occurs from person to person, by respiratory secretions, coughing or sneezing, for example, in the four days preceding the appearance of red spots up to four days later.

Marilda-led Laboratory is a national reference for the Department of Health and Regional at the World Health Organization (WHO) in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease. The Laboratory intervenes in the confirmation of suspected cases and carries out a phylogenetic analysis of the micro-organisms, which makes it possible to identify the origin of the virus. In March, he encouraged the training of professionals from 14 Brazilian states, to control cases detected in the north of the country

National vaccination campaign

To prevent the spread of the microorganism, the strategy is simple: vaccination. Known as a "triple vital," since it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, immunization is offered for free through the Unified Health System (UAS) and must be administered at the same time. age of 12 months with a 15-month recall.

From August 6 to 31, the national vaccination campaign will be held, with a large vaccination mobilization on Saturday, August 18, Fiocruz will be one of the vaccination points, which will also include protection against polio. The target audience for this strategy are children from 1 year to less than 5 years old. "This measles outbreak will only be blocked by vaccination," says Marilda. "We can not afford to lose the fight against this disease that has been eliminated from the Americas since 2016."

The specialist refers to the certificate of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of the circulation of the measles virus. It was the first time in history that a region of the world was suffering from the disease that, in severe cases, can cause pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis, diarrhea severe and otitis, especially in children with nutritional and immunocompromised problems.

Regarding polio, virologist Edson Elias, head of the Enterovirus Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC / Fiocruz), points out that it is essential that not all countries, not just those of the American continent, remain committed According to the protocol established by the World Health Organization, if the immunization coverage is deficient, the wild line can be reintroduced in the countries which already eliminated the virus ", explains the specialist [19659014]. Countries in Africa and Asia, for example, have not yet succeeded in eliminating poliomyelitis from their territories and can export wild poliovirus to other areas previously considered free from polio. the disease, as is the case in the Americas, especially in Brazil. The Edson-led Laboratory serves as a national reference in the field with the Ministry of Health and as a reference for the region of the Americas to WHO.

Do not vaccinate is a crime

Researchers remember nearly three decades. 8 069, which provides for the status of the child and the adolescent, makes compulsory the vaccination of children in the cases recommended by the health authorities. "It is a crime for parents to deprive their children of access to health." The number one recommendation is that all officials check their children's immunization cards and take them to take the missed dose or Vaccine doses, "says Edson." Also, if parents have not already vaccinated against measles, for example, they are also vaccinated, "says Marilda.

According to the Ministry of Health, vaccination against measles in adults is recommended for people aged 49. From this age, vaccination should be evaluated by a doctor.Vaccine is not indicated for people suspected of measles, pregnant women children under 6 months of age and immunocompromised persons

And according to Decree No. 78.231 of 1976, it is the duty of every citizen to submit to the minors in his care or responsibility compulsory vaccinations defined by the Ministry of Health. "Vaccination is important because it does not only benefit the vaccinated.With the reduction of the circulation of viruses and bacteria that cause the disease, the whole population benefits.It is more quality of life for everyone ", adds the virologist.

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