While measles is progressing in Hauts-de-France, the regional health agency alerts the strong contagiousness of the virus and recalls the importance of vaccination.
- Benefits experiences an upsurge in Hauts-de-France, particularly in the North. ARS alerts the strong contagiousness of the virus, which can infect up to 20 people per patient, and recalls the importance of vaccination.
- Currently, regional vaccination coverage reaches 87 %, insufficient to stop the spread.
- Faced with this epidemic, the authorities recommend vaccination, wearing the mask and the isolation of the sick.
Dnshots, an extremely contagious viral disease, has experienced an upsurge in Hauts-de-France, in particular in the Nord department. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) launched a sanitary alert on Friday, February 21, highlighting active circulation of the virus as the school year approaches.
Highly contagious disease
The measles virus spreads very easily by air, when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. “It is estimated that a patient can contaminate 15 to 20 people alone”, Recalls the ARS in his press release. Contaguity is reinforced by the virus silent incubation period: “The rapid dissemination of the disease is also explained by the fact that the patient is contagious 5 days before the rash, that is to say most often before the diagnosis is made. Contaginity continues 5 days after the appearance of the pimples.”
Symptoms of measles include high fever, characteristic rash, cough and nasal flow. In some cases, serious complications may occur, in particular pneumonia or encephalitis, which can lead to heavy sequelae, even death.
Insufficient vaccination coverage
THE Ror (measles-eraillons-rubole) vaccine is compulsory For all children born since January 1, 2018. It is administered in two doses: the first at 12 months and the second between 16 and 18 months. When complete, this vaccine scheme protects in more than 95 % of cases.
But it turns out that vaccination coverage remains insufficient to eradicate the disease. In Hauts-de-France, 87 % of 33-month-old children were up to date with Ror vaccination, According to the latest public health data France Cor on the year 2023, when it would be necessary to reach 95 % to effectively limit the circulation of the virus, indicates the ARS. This vaccination rate below recommendations promotes the persistence of epidemic foci, especially in sectors with high population density such as the Lille agglomeration.
Strengthening prevention measures
Faced with this resurgence, ARS calls for increased vigilance and insists on the importance of vaccination to limit the spread of the virus, especially when approaching the recovery of school activity after the holidays. In addition, compliance with barriers is highly recommended, including wearing the mask as soon as the first symptoms appear and the isolation of sick people for at least five days after the rash.
