Authorities call for vigilance in the face of increased measles cases, recalling that vaccination coverage is essential to limit the spread of viral infection.
- The Directorate General of Health (DGS) alerts to an upsurge in measles in France, a highly contagious disease whose cases have increased since 2023. Its complications can be serious, especially in adults.
- Vaccination remains the only effective means of protecting this disease. Although it is compulsory for children born after 2018, the coverage remains insufficient to stop the spread of the virus.
- The DGS calls on health professionals to quickly report suspicious cases and to verify the vaccination status of their patients.
Faced with an upsurge in measles in France, the authorities sound the alarm. “The Directorate General of Health (DGS) calls for reinforced vigilance of all health professionals and early childhood concerning the early detection of measles”she says in a press release Emergency broadcast since March 7. And for good reason, an increase in cases has been found not only in France, but also in Europe and worldwide since 2023. “The epidemiological situation observed in particular since the beginning of the year is feared, in view of the strong contagiousness of the disease, a broader distribution on the national territory in the coming weeks”still writes the DGS.
Highly contagious disease
Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection. “In a pharmacy, 1 patient with measles can contaminate between 15 and 20 people”,, underlines health insurance. The virus is very easily propagated by air and by contact with contaminated surfaces. Its symptoms include high fever, great fatigue, cough, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and characteristic rash.
The measles is all the more serious as it declares itself early in life. If it is often perceived as an infantile disease, measles can cause serious complications, including pulmonary infections and neurological damage, especially in adults.
Still insufficient vaccination coverage
To stem propagation, vaccination remains the best weapon. “High population vaccine coverage of all ages […] is essential to limit viral circulation “recalls the DGS. The measles-eraillons-rubéole (ROR) vaccine is 100 % reimbursed for children aged 1 to 17 and 65 % for adults. Since January 1, 2018, it is compulsory for children born in France, with a first injection at 12 months and a second between 16 and 18 months. Vaccination is also highly recommended for all other people born after 1980 who, having normally received two doses of Ror vaccine spaced one month, are supposed to be protected.
However, vaccination coverage remains below the threshold necessary to eradicate the disease. According to Public health data France of 202390.4 % of 18-35 year olds and 94.3 % of 24-month-old children are vaccinated. An insufficient rate to stop the transmission of the virus: among the 117 cases identified last year, 50 concerned non -vaccinated people.
Faced with this threat, the DGS urges the caregivers to strengthen their vigilance and to report without delay “Any clinically evocative case, including before biological results”. It also recommends immediately isolate suspicious patients and systematically check the vaccination status during consultations. If necessary, a vaccine catch -up must be offered.
