To protect all residents of the Netherlands against this virus, a vaccination rate of above 95 percent is important. But it is a lot lower, at 89 percent. And in some places in the country even lower.
‘Extremely contagious’
This means that the measles can spread more easily. “Measles is extremely contagious,” says Patricia Bruijning, epidemiologist and pediatrician at UMC Utrecht. “One person can infect 15 to 20 people.”
“Before you know it, it will cross the border and you will see an outbreak in the Netherlands. It is not a question of if, but when it will hit here,” says Bruijning.
Measles outbreak every 10 years
It is not entirely unexpected that an outbreak is lurking right now. Since the introduction of the measles vaccination in the Netherlands in 1976, an outbreak has occurred approximately every 10 years. We last saw it in 2014 and now probably again soon.
Source: RIVM
It must be said that most people do not become seriously ill from measles. But it is super contagious and can quickly spread to others. This also applies to groups that are vulnerable.
Baby’s
The disease can be especially dangerous for babies between 6 and 14 months. A baby is protected for up to 6 months if the mother has ever had measles or a vaccination. “But the antibodies decrease after six months,” says pediatrician Petra de Jong. “And only when the baby is 14 months old can you have him vaccinated.”
Measles does not only pose a risk to babies. “As you get older, it can also become more serious, so above the age of 70. When your immune system deteriorates, you become sicker.”
Vaccination coverage is therefore important to protect vulnerable people as best as possible. This creates group immunity. The more people are immune to a certain disease, the less likely it is to spread. “How dangerous a possible outbreak is depends on how many people have been vaccinated or have already had measles,” says De Jong.
Symptoms of measles
Those who have measles will often have a cold and fever in the beginning. This is followed by a rash, which are the well-known red spots on the face and body. You may feel very ill and may develop a high fever.
Source: RIVM
The pediatrician regularly sees parents who are skeptical about vaccination for their child. “There is a lot of information going around that is not correct. For example, parents have heard through the grapevine about certain side effects, and they want the best for their child.”
De Jong then tries to inform parents as openly as possible. “I have to understand what the consideration is and then I share my knowledge and experience as a youth doctor in the conversation, and that I see something different,” she says. After that it is up to the parents themselves.
2024-03-08 18:13:23
#Concerns #measles #outbreak #Danger #babies
