Precautionary measures to combat COVID-19 infection, such as the wearing of protective masks, remote working, travel restrictions between countries, and sometimes curfews, have slowed the transmission of other respiratory diseases, including measles.
Dr. Patrick O’Connor, medical officer in the World Health Organization’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biology, said that as these restrictions eased, the world is seeing an increase in the number of measles cases, especially in Africa , the Middle East and South-East Asia, noting that this is a particularly worrying situation as there is an increase in the number of children who have missed routine measles doses, due to disruptions in health services during the pandemic.
Serious complications
In an interview, conducted by Vismita Gupta-Smith, as part of her “Science in Five” series, demonstrated by the World Health Organization through its official platforms, Dr. O’Connor explained that measles is a disease highly contagious virus, which is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually include fever and rash. Complications of measles infection are common and can range from mild, such as diarrhea, to very serious, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Dr. O’Connor warned of the seriousness of measles, explaining that before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the early 1960s and universal immunization, there were approximately two million deaths attributed to measles each year, the majority some of them children.
2019
Dr O’Connor added that in 2021, some 25 million children missed their first dose of measles vaccines, up from 20 million children in 2019, the year that saw the largest measles outbreak. in two decades, so it’s important to be sure to vaccinate those who missed their measles vaccine to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2019.
On ways to prevent transmission of measles virus infection to children, Dr. O’Connor said vaccination is the best protection against measles, stressing that measles vaccine is safe and effective, and since its introduction , billions of doses have been administered worldwide, to prevent exposure to serious disease and death.
missed scheduled dose
Dr O’Connor explained that even if a child misses a scheduled measles dose, that’s not a problem, as they can now be vaccinated. It is important to remember that the measles immunization also protects you from all other vaccinations.
the most affected groups
Dr O’Connor concluded that among the additional benefits of vaccination is protection from measles for family and community members, both young and old, explaining that access to it is especially important for those who are younger , chronically ill and immunocompromised.
