The Rhône is “at the start of a currently localized epidemic” with 25 cases reported in eastern Lyon, according to the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
For several months, health authorities have been reporting a worrying increase in the number of cases of measles in Europe and around the world. France is not spared. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) has confirmed an epidemic in the Lyon metropolitan area. 25 cases were recorded.
Measles: 25 cases in 3 schools and 1 daycare in the Lyon region
In his press release published on March 13, the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes reveals that the measles epidemic “concerns a majority of children (22 out of 25 cases confirmed to date) within 4 communities (3 schools and a nursery) with no link found between them, but located in 4 neighboring urban communities adjoining the city of Lyon”.
The cases were observed in schools in Meyzieu, Décines-Charpieu, Bron, Vaulx-en-Velin and Chassieu. “The grouped case in a nursery (in Saint-Priest) concerns 7 unvaccinated children under 11 to 13 months, 5 of whom were hospitalized”.
Dr Bruno Morel, delegated director for monitoring and health alerts at the ARS, told the agency’s press conference: “25 cases may seem small to you, but they represent a significant threat, because the measles virus has the particularity of being transmitted very easily.”
“We usually say that one person can infect up to 20 people. This is a very significant transmission.”
Measles: the only prevention is vaccination
If some measles patients were infected despite a complete vaccination schedule, the majority (13, including 6 children aged 12 months or younger) were not. The ARS thus recalled during its point the importance of vaccination. She “invites parents to check their vaccination status as well as that of their child(ren)” and monitor their health. If symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis or fatigue appear, you should consult. They usually occur 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. In addition, a rash with small, very red spots appears a few days after the first signs of the disease. The pimples are first on the face (ears, forehead, cheeks) then gradually all over the body.
“In the event of non-vaccination or incomplete vaccination, you should quickly consult a doctor or pharmacist, with your health record, to update your measles vaccination”, adds the press release. Vaccination against measles is done with a two-dose vaccine. It protects against 3 diseases: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Since the start of the year, the WHO has warned several times about the increase in measles cases. In 2023, there will be more than 45 times more cases in Europe, while the increase is around 79% globally. “Measles and rubella prevention is no longer a global and governmental priority due to competing issues, such as Covid-19, economic crises, conflicts”deplored the health authority in a note sent to the media in February.
