At Pakistan, in the town of Jacobabad, in the province of Sindh, measles killed two (two children aged 1 and 7) and many more children were hospitalized, according to a report from the news source The News.
Almost 20 children from Lakhmir village suffered from severe complications from measles and were admitted to Taluka Gharhi Hassan Hospital in Jacobabad.
Reminders on measles:
Measles, a highly contagious disease, remains a major cause of death among young children around the world, despite the availability of an effective vaccine. It is caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus, from the family of Paramyxovirus. The virus is transmitted by direct contact and through the air, infecting the mucous membranes and then spreading throughout the body. Measles is a strictly human disease, with no animal reservoir.
Although generally mild, measles can cause serious complications, such as encephalitis and pneumonia, and in rare cases can be fatal in Europe (mortality being much higher in tropical Africa). Protection close to 100% is obtained after two doses of a trivalent measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
The first sign of measles virus infection is usually a high fever, which appears about 10 to 12 days after exposure and lasts for 4 to 7 days. During this initial stage, the picture may include rhinorrhea (runny nose), cough, red, watery eyes, and small whitish dots on the inner side of the cheeks. The rash appears several days later, usually on the face and upper neck. In about three days, it progresses to reach the hands and feet. It persists for 5 to 6 days before disappearing. It is observed on average 14 days after exposure to the virus, within 7 to 18 days.
Most deaths are due to complications of the disease. These are more common before the age of 5 or in adults over 20. Among the most serious complications are blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea (which can lead to dehydration), ear infections, and severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
In France, vaccination against measles, now compulsory for all infants born since January 1, 2018, requires the administration of two doses of a trivalent MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine: a first dose at the age of 12 months and a second dose between 16 and 18 months. In order to extend protection, anyone born since 1980 should also have received two doses of the vaccine.
Vaccination of travelers helps prevent transmission or spread of the disease to other countries.
Source : Outbreak News Today.
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