A severe viral infection transmitted through the air strikes a European country

2023-12-09 2023-12-09T09:46:49Z

ArabiaWeather - The Romanian Ministry of Health revealed on Tuesday the spread of a measles epidemic throughout the country, with about 2,000 new cases recorded in 29 provinces out of a total of 41, and officials indicated that this development will contribute to enhancing vaccination rates, especially among children at risk.

The Ministry identified the age groups between 9 and 11 months as an important stage, in addition to children who have not completed the vaccination schedule, and placed them as main targets for the vaccination campaign. The Ministry pledged to implement a broad public awareness campaign to confront the current crisis.

What is measles?

Measles, also known as rubella, is an acute and contagious viral disease that mainly affects children, but can also appear in adults. Measles is considered among the most common diseases in childhood, and the incubation period for the disease extends from ten to fifteen days.

After recovering from measles, the individual gains lifelong immunity, which means that he cannot be infected with this disease again. Measles is distinguished by the presence of two main types:

Measles: caused by the Rubella Virus.
Rubella or German Measles: It results from infection with the German measles virus or Rubella virus. It is not contagious, and its symptoms appear less severe than regular measles. It is indicated that German measles is dangerous, especially if a pregnant woman is infected, as it poses a risk to the fetus. During pregnancy.

Measles is distinguished from allergies in several ways, as the former causes a red rash that may be annoying, but it does not cause itching as is the case with allergies, and measles is accompanied by a fever, while allergies do not cause an increase in body temperature. Finally, it is noted that measles does not recur, while rashes and allergies can recur.

Statement by officials about the low vaccination rates in Romania and the importance of awareness

In a statement issued by officials, the Romanian government expresses its deep regret over the decline in vaccination rates in the country over the past decade and according to the statement, only 78% of eligible children have received one dose of measles, while only 62% have received two doses of the vaccine.

The Minister of Health, Alexandro Ravila, made a statement indicating that a 95% coverage campaign was considered necessary to keep the risk of the outbreak under control. He also added that measles vaccination forms part of the national immunization schedule for children, with the first dose usually given to one-year-old children. .

In light of the spread of the epidemic, it is also encouraged to vaccinate young children to protect them from infection, and the government has pledged to strengthen awareness campaigns to enhance awareness of the importance of vaccination and maintaining everyone’s health.

Measles vaccines... effective and continuous protection since the 1960s

Measles vaccines have been available since the 1960s and have been proven effective and safe in preventing this viral disease. The vaccine is an effective way to reduce the spread of measles and reduce the severity of symptoms in individuals who contract the disease.

Symptoms of measles often begin with a mild to moderate fever, and are accompanied by other symptoms such as a persistent cough, cold, irritation and redness in the eyes, and sore throat. After two or three days, Koplik's spots appear, which is a clear sign of measles.

Through the use of vaccines, universal immunization is encouraged to reduce measles cases and limit transmission of the virus, which contributes to maintaining public health and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.